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| Sunday, 3 April 2005 |
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Sidath's cricketing feat by A. C. de Silva To score a century at Test level is anyone's dream, but, to be the country's first to do so is a cherished achievement that will long be remembered not only by the individual concerned, but by all followers of the game in that particular country. Sri Lanka's first centurion in Test cricket is Sidath Wettimuny who had the honour of getting the three-figure mark in the Test against England in 1982. Sidath was a regular in the Sri Lanka Cricket team since Test status was granted to Sri Lanka in 1981 and has many firsts to his credit. He was the first centurion for Sri Lanka, scoring 157 against Faisalabad in Pakistan in 1982. Opening the batting with elder brother, Mithra Wettimuny against New Zealand in 1983 at Christchurch, he equalled a 103-year-old record achieved by Dr. W. G. Grace and his brother E. M. Grace who opened batting for England against Australia in 1880 at the Oval. His 63 not out vs New Zealand at Wellington in 1983, the first instance of a Sri Lankan opener carrying his bat through. He was the first Sri Lankan to score a Test century at Lord's, Duleep Mendis followed soon after. His was also the highest Test score by a Sri Lankan He was featured in 1985 as one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Year. The first Sri Lankan to be so honoured. His 227 not out against Indian Board President's XI at Gwalior, India in 1986 made him the first Sri Lankan to score a double century against a foreign team after Sri Lanka achieved Test status. Sidath Wettimuny, at his best, is an attractive and talented batsman. Sure in defence, equipped with several class strokes, particularly on the off. He has monumental patience and an unperturbed temperament - few will forget his masterly 89 not out against England in 1982 in Colombo, which set up Sri Lanka's frenzied win by three runs in the second one-day international. When President J. R. Jayewardene, heard of Sidath Wettimuny's fine batting, he sent a message of congratulations through the Sri Lanka High Commissioner in London, Mr. Chandra Monarawala. Two other eye-catching records that Wettimuny holds: Sri Lanka first-class record (with S. A. R. Silva) for first-wicket partnership - 190 against Gluocestershire in 1984; Sri Lankan Test record for 5th wicket (150 runs vs England) along with Duleep Mendis. Success came quite naturally to Sidath, Two of his elder brothers Sunil and Mithra too played for Sri Lanka and with his late father-Ramsay who used to be a fanatic about cricket was unquestionably the driving force to success of the brothers trio - Sunil, Mithra and Sidath and they did not disappoint. But, Sidath went out of the playing scene on a sorry note. No sooner the Sri Lankan cricketers returned home from their tour of India in 1987, he announced his retirement from big-time cricket. He said that he took that decision because of the slipshod attitude of some of the administrators. He was apparently disgusted then as he had been branded as a Test cricketer and not considered for one-day internationals. |
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