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Sana boy of cricketing fame

by Farah Macan Markar

He's bald. He's dark. He's got those big black eyes. He's Sanath Jayasuriya, referred to by a number of fans as "Sana Boy". Coming from Matara, playing his first ever match, in the under 11 St. Servatius College cricket team, moving on to Sri Lanka A and Sri Lanka 1st Eleven, and finally into the National Side in 1989, Jayasuriya's been playing international cricket for 14 years.

With over 9000 one-day runs, 5000 test runs and over 250 wickets in his one day career, this orthodox left arm spinner/batsman's made a name for himself, ever since that memorable test in 1997, with his 340 runs against India, on the Kettarama.

Boy, I remember that day of Jayasuriya's step into the big Three-Zero-Zero. Time stood still. The whole of Sri Lanka seemed glued to the match, judging from the numbers gathered around TV screens and radios all switched to SLBC in all shops. No one daring to mention it, keeping their fingers crossed, but the "Will he?" "Won't he?" beat the then 375 record, kept everyone's eye on every ball. I was at 'Sponge' at the time he got out.

The "Ooh"s and "Ah"s of disappointment, slapping of hands of waiters, cashiers and diners, Jayasuriya's 340, was a match which united all Sri Lankans-Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, bonding them, in their one hope and disappointment.

So who is S J? What are his dreams and aspirations, the driving force behind his cricket? What makes him the attacking player he is? Here is a bit of what I found out from a chat I had with the aggressive left hand bat, at the Colts Club Cricket Ground. I feel a bit of poetry would be nice for a change. So here goes...

*******

Sana Boy's
always loved cricket,
playing with his bro and friends
in his backyard wicket.

An attacking player
his been from small days,
"I love to whack the ball
it's my natural game".

So what's the driving force behind him?
"It's just I've always had in mind,
To play for my country
Even as a child.

I never gave up
I worked my way through,
That's why I am here
Cricket is what I do".

Tele-dramas, local music
his hobbies are a Lankan blend,
With his wife and daughter
his time he likes to spend.

Casual clothes are what he wears
at home he's in sarong,
he likes to be a simple person
he's up early morn.

Working at NDB Bank
he likes hanging out in Deli France,
cricket has given him a lot
his life enhanced.

Of being a public figure
Jayasuriya says,
"I think myself as an ordinary 
Sri Lankan
when going to any place".

Lastly of his fans, Sana says,
"They're very supportive,
Fans are important in any sport
it's what makes a sport live".

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