Passing the torch; Sri Lanka’s next batting dynamos

Rex Clementine at Pallekele

When we think of world-class Sri Lankan batters, Kumar Sangakkara shines brightest. His numbers are simply otherworldly with a Test average of 57. That’s the stuff legends are made of. And it’s not just about the home turf heroics – Sanga’s average away from home was over 51, a feat only the finest achieve.

Then there’s Mahela Jayawardene. A maestro in his own right, although he narrowly missed the 50-mark. It was a bitter pill to swallow when his average dipped below 50 in his last Test innings, right on his beloved SSC ground. Overseas, MJ’s average of 41 wasn’t quite up to the standard, yet he remains one of the country’s greats.

Then, there’s Aravinda de Silva, Sri Lanka’s original cricketing maverick. Though he didn’t average 50, he was the hero of a generation. Arjuna Ranatunga once said that his captaincy recipe was simple: “Keep Aravinda happy, and he’ll win you games singlehandedly.” Even Mark Taylor, the Aussie skipper, admitted that the Aussies spent nearly an hour strategizing for Aravinda alone. The next day? Aravinda would still walk in and blast a century, leaving the Aussies scratching their heads.

Sri Lanka had its share of classy batters before the Test era too – legends like Mahadevan Sathasivam, F.C. de Saram, and Anura Tennekoon. Since Sanga’s retirement, we’ve seen plenty of raw talent, but few have hit the heights expected of them. Some players rested on past laurels, while others saw their dreams hampered by injuries.

Fast forward to today, and Sri Lanka’s changed its game. Training methods have shifted, and there’s newfound passion and commitment. This recent resurgence isn’t by chance. It’s been built on hard work, attention to detail, and the kind of endless practice sessions reminiscent of the Sanga era.

Pathum Nissanka: The History Maker

Could Pathum Nissanka be the next big name? Even Sangakkara has hinted that he might be the one to rewrite history. When asked, Pathum chuckled humbly, acknowledging Sanga’s greatness and saying that reaching his numbers would be an honour. This modesty makes you root for him all the more.

Already, Pathum’s created ripples. This year, he became the first Sri Lankan to score a double century in ODI cricket, breaking Sanath Jayasuriya’s long-standing record for most runs in an innings. Watching him bat is a treat – elegance meets ruthless efficiency. His century at The Oval, which powered Sri Lanka to their first Test win in England in a decade, was a masterclass. Patient early on, he then cut loose, treating the crowd to a dazzling array of shots, from square cuts to precise drives and well-timed pulls.

Pathum’s a cool customer, handling sledges with a grin. He’s already made waves in England, with Michael Atherton pondering why on earth Sri Lanka didn’t play him from the first game.

Kamindu Mendis: The Rescue Act

Then there’s Kamindu Mendis, a sensation since his Test comeback this year. With seven Tests under his belt in 2024, Kamindu has racked up five centuries and three half-centuries. His Player of the Series performances in two consecutive overseas series show his grit away from home – a hallmark of true greatness.

Batting at number five, Kamindu doesn’t always have ample time in the middle, often joining the lower order and tail. But he’s an essential cog, preventing collapses and staging rescue acts. In recent tight games in Bangladesh, England, and Galle, Kamindu stood tall, batting with the tail to steer Sri Lanka out of trouble. And here’s a jaw-dropper: batting that low and still becoming the third-fastest to 1,000 Test runs, tied with none other than Sir Don Bradman.

Other Notable Mentions

We can’t overlook Kusal Mendis, a standout of recent years, though his best years might be behind him. And Charith Asalanka has shown promise in limited-overs cricket, though a chronic knee issue has kept him from Test stardom.

In short, Sri Lankan cricket is fun to watch again. With Pathum and Kamindu leading the charge, who knows – we might just be witnessing the dawn of the next great era in Sri Lankan batting.