@ Galadari Hotel On Friday Oct 11 :

Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year - Outstation 1988 :

Sanath Back on stage

By Dinesh Weerawansa

Legendary Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasuriya will return to the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year stage when the premier awards ceremony in school cricket will be held for the 35th successive year at Galadari Hotel, Colombo on Friday (11).Exactly 25 years ago, Jayasuriya had the most cherished moment in his school cricket career. Representing St. Servatius College, Matara, young Jayasuriya was adjudged the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year (Outstation) in 1988.That was the turning point of his cricket career, inspiring him to go places in the big league. Undoubtedly, the Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year (Outstation) in 1988 as a 19-year-old youth was a morale booster for the St. Servatius Schoolboy to conquer the Mount Everest in cricketing world.In less than four months after winning the prestigious Observer Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year award, young Jayasuriya was picked to make his One-Day International (ODI) debut for Sri Lanka, against Australia in Melbourne on December 26, 1989. Since then, Jayasuriya has been the most sought after ingredient in any successful recipe in Sri Lanka Cricket.

Since then, he went on to represent Sri Lanka in 445 ODIs, aggregating 13,430 runs with 28 centuries and 68 fifties averaging 32.36. He has captured 323 ODI wickets averaging 35.75 apiece with a career best figures of 6 for 28.

The most glorious moment in his ODI career was the glorious Most Valuable Player Award (man of the tournament) in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph.

He had an equally proud record in Tests, aggregating 6,973 runs with 14 centuries and 31 fifties with an attractive average of 40.07. In addition, he had captured 98 wickets in Test averaging 34.34 apiece. It was a treat to watch when Jayasuriya was in full cry and the fireworks that came of Jayasuriya’s bat attracted thousands of cricket fans across the world. Bowling to Jayasuriya was a nightmare even to the most successful bowlers in world cricket. The power-packed hits that came off the willow of the master blaster often ended yards away from the boundary line.

His rise to the pinnacle of cricket is a classic example to any schoolboy. From his humble beginnings in Matara, Jayasuriya has come a long way to lead Sri Lanka with distinction and to become the Chairman of Selectors. His path to success was not through a bed of roses, but through a real life struggle.

That is why the cricketing career of Jayasuriya becomes a shining example to present day schoolboy cricketers, especially those who are in far flung areas and dream of representing Sri Lanka in future.

Jayasuriya is a born cricketer who had courage and determination to win the cricket world. He ultimately did that in style, guiding Sri Lanka to many victories in Tests and ODIs. His presence has always been a big boost for any team as bowlers often lost their control due to aggressive batting, dancing down the track to lift massive sixes over the rope.

His immense popularity won the hearts of the people. On the verge of his retirement from international cricket, Jayasuriya contested the 2010 General Elections under the UPFA ticket and entered the Parliament from Matara District.

He is now rendering a yeoman service as the chief selector and his presence at the helm is a great benefit for the rural cricketers as he understands their problems best with his first-hand experience. Hence, he will always assure a fair deal for the country’s budding schoolboy cricketers who aspire to enter the big league.

It is with pride and honour that we welcome this great Sri Lanka cricketer to the Observer-Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer victory podium, exactly 25 years after his crowning glory on the same stage.