Recalling the great MAHADEVAN SATHASIVAM

Frustrated and while watching the thunder and lightning breaking out at the Sooriyawewa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota and no action in the England- Sri Lanka match and humming that perennial 'The clouds will soon roll by' by Tony Brent, it struck on me to pen this piece on Sri Lanka's one and only batting great that was and never will be MAHADEVAN SATHASIVAM.

What prompted me to write about SATHASIVAM was because I had been reading a review of 'The Sathasivam Story' and all about the case and the final verdict serialized in a weekend newspaper.

While poring over the series of articles it brought memories of my rare and good fortune to have played under maestro SATHASIVAM for the Tamil Union in the twilight of his memorable and glittering career and me as a school cricketer.

That was, if my memory serves me right, in 1960 or 1961 during my cricket career at St. Benedict's College, Kotahena. It was the 'DAILY NEWS' Trophy. 'SATHA' as he was fondly referred to by his legion of friends or even by the man on the street, was a rare phenomenon.

Back from Malaya

'SATHA' captained the Tamil Union 'DAILY NEWS' team. That was when he came back from Malaya after retirement. But ''SATHA' had a tendency to lead the team on to the field, direct operations for a few overs and then move into the cool of the pavilion for a refreshing beer.

This did not go well with the team and some of the players objected. Being a leg spin/googly bowler 'SATHA' liked my style and used to bowl me a lot. To toot my horn a bit. 'SATHA' watching me bowl once said: 'Son if you play for Ceylon, remember that I said you can'.

Later on when I joined the BRC these same sentiments were expressed by that BRC great, Ceylon bowler and Trinity Captain Bobby Schoorman.

I had the honour of winning the Best Bowler's prize when Tamil Union became 'DAILY NEWS' champions in 1961 and won the same prize spinning the BRC to champions in the 'DAILY NEWS' Trophy and the 'DONOVAN ANDREE' Trophy. The TU Captain if I remember right was Rex Breckenridge and Clive Bartholomeusz and Ronnie Berenger at the BRC.

A petition was signed by some of the senior players of that team, I believe, led by former Benedictine Captain Augie Alles, father of Jonathon Alles, Chief Executive of Hatton National Bank and an 'Alvin Kallicharran' in his playing days for St. Joseph's College.

No action taken

But no action was taken because, 'SATHA' remained untouchable and no one dared challenge the maestro who even then remained respected and honoured. I wish somebody could send me that Tamil Union team. Tamil Union respected and honoured him with a stand known as 'M.SATHASIVAM STAND'. If anybody who could send me that team, it should be that double international and another captain of mine at Tamil Union Chandra Schaffter. Schaffter the guardian angel of the club has done tremendously for the club and is still continuing to do. To his credit is the swimming pool and the state-of-the art Press Box.

But sadly the then Colombo Oval now known and popularly called the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium which was the venue where several world greats such Sir Donald Bradman and Sir Frank Worrell played and many others whose names are too numerous to mention is now a completely forgotten venue where sadly no international cricket is being played.

Incidentally MAHADEVAN SATHASIVAM led Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon against Sir Donald Bradman's team that played a whistle stop match at the Colombo Oval, if I am not wrong, in 1948. 'SATHA' also led Tamil Union to Sara Trophy championship honours in the inaugural year in 1948.

Another incident

Another incident that is still vivid in my memory was this. It was a Donovan Andree game between the TU and BRC at Havelock Park. 'SATHA' was striking and the bowler was former Thomian and Captain Dennis Ferdinands who was at one time the fastest schoolboy bowler.

The Park Club matting was as usual fiery with the ball rearing off good lengths and with batsmen in grave danger. There were no helmets at that time. Dennis ran up and bounced at 'SATHA'. 'Don't bounce at me son, I am an old man', said 'SATHA'.

A few balls later Dennis bounced again. 'SATHA' whose eyesight, reflexes and footwork had not diminished with age, was in line in a flash and the next moment, bowler, fielders and all on the ground were watching the ball nestling on the adjoining Havelocks Ground launched rocket like from 'SATHAS' bat.

But Dennis had his revenge in the return game at the Oval. He bounced and struck 'SATHA' on his brow. Fortunately it was not serious, only a glancing blow, but it had shaken the master batman. The ball came quicker on the Oval turf than on the Park matting.

I was very much junior to 'SATHA', but the friendship we built blossomed and when I became the Sports Editor of the 'Times of Ceylon' 'SATHA' used to visit me and invite fellow sports journalist Gamini Perera and me for a drink at one of his famous haunts, the Taprobane.

Once 'SATHA' invited former Nondescripts CC cricketer Chellaraj and me for a drink at the Otters Aquatic Club. In conversation and being young and daring at that time I picked up Dutch courage as it were and asked him. 'Satha' did you murder your wife? His eyes pooped, face became tense and I could see anger in him. He took a deep breath and said: 'Son if another guy asked me that question I would have slapped him. But I can't do that to you. I did not do it', he said in a loud voice. Chella and I sat stunned.

It was a honour

That was the era that even to be seen with, or to be known or to be spoken of having known the great man was a honour. Such was the awe that he was held in after he suffered the trauma of being allegedly accused of murdering his beloved wife Anandi and being found not guilty.

When he was in remand his friends Australian cricketers Keith Miller, Neil Harvey and Greame Hole visited him. So did Sir Frank Worrell the West Indian who it is said had even offered 'SATHA' finances to fight his case.

Those still in the land of the living, talk of his phenomenal deeds with the bat in awe. That I was lucky to play with him, keep his company and share a drink with him, I will always remember and treasure.

By the way enjoy life now. It has an expiry date on it.

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