Sports
New book says Bradman played at CCC in 1930
by Rex Clementine
All of us cricket nerds have heard stories of Sir Don Bradman’s visit to P. Sara Oval. There are a couple of images too; one where he strides out to bat and another where he walks alongside Ceylon skipper Mahadevan Sathasivam for the toss.
There are other famous stories as well about how the greatest batsman the game has seen appreciating the scoreboard at The Oval and him finding out the inadequacies of the pitch. Some even believed that P. Sara Oval was the only ground in Asia where Bradman had played.
However a new book ‘An Island’s Eleven’ by British writer Nicholas Brookes reveals that Bradman had played at Maitland Place in 1930 en route to England for the first time. Brookes’ book is a well researched document on Sri Lankan cricket and gives a vivid description of cricket in the island in the pre- Test era. The writer has spoken to many stalwarts of Sri Lankan cricket from S. Skandakumar to Kumar Sangakkara and elaborates how the game evolved.
“The whistle stops came thick and fast and 1930’s match was a momentous occasion. None present could have realized the history they were witnessing. On 3 April, at Colombo Cricket Club, Donald Bradman played his first game of cricket outside Australia. He treated the crowd to plenty of shots and had reached 40 when something remarkable happened. With his very first ball in international cricket, debutant Neil Joseph had Bradman hit-wicket.”
The book is a fascinating read but there are those who contest some of its content. Mahendra Ratnaweera, a cricket historian believes that the game took place not at Maitland Place but at the Nomads Grounds, the property owned by Colombo Municipal Council. Currently this location is the home for Nelum Pokuna where dramas, musical shows and functions take place.
Veteran journalist Palitha Perera disputes the date of the game.
Bradman’s 1948 visit to Colombo attracted a lot of attention as he was not only the captain of Australia but by that stage had broken every batting record. In 1930 when he visited Colombo, he was still a rookie finding his feet in the game at the age of 22.
Also compared to 1930, in 1948 the game had fairly established in the island, the newspaper industry was thriving and Ceylon itself had a proper cricket team. The book is not just about Bradman’s visit to Colombo. But it’s a comprehensive study on history of Sri Lankan cricket and you come across men and women who nurtured the game, the visionaries who saw the potential and the generous individuals who kept finances coming.
Cricket became popular as European planters went beyond Kandy for tea cultivation and apparently the game was quite healthy over there but gradually Colombo became the central location for cricket with most clubs being based in Colombo. Even bigger clubs in places like Galle and Matara have found it tough to maintain the sport. So many of their home grown talents have moved to Colombo.
In that context, you’ve got to take your hat off to Sumith Perera, who fought a lone battle for Badureliya. You may not agree with his politics but you’ve got to give the devil his due. He’s not a very wealthy man but he’s got a knack as to how to run a cricket team.
The book states that there were some rivalries between Europeans and locals in the early days and certain clubs were out of bounds for local cricketers. As a result there was no fair representation of Ceylon and some deserving cases missed out. The writer Nicholas Brookes was based at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia during his research for the book that stretched for several years.
A monumental innings by Dulnith Sigera who put on a commanding opening stand with Sineth Veerarathne highlighted proceedings as Mahanama College posted 387 for nine declared and secured major honours in their annual Big Match against arch rivals DS Senanayake College at the SSC Ground on Sunday.
Resuming after DS Senanayake had posted 344 in their first innings, Mahanama built their reply around a superb 192-run opening partnership between Sigera and Veerarathne, laying a solid foundation for a dominant batting display.
Sigera emerged the chief architect of the innings with a magnificent 189, anchoring the batting for more than 70 overs in an innings that combined patience with aggression. Facing 209 deliveries, he struck ten fours and nine sixes in an entertaining knock before being run out, narrowly missing out on a double century.
At the other end, Veerarathne provided ideal support with a valuable 91, facing 135 balls and hitting seven boundaries and a six as the pair frustrated the DS bowling attack with the opening stand.
Mahanama continued to capitalise on the strong platform even after the opening breakthrough, with useful contributions from Chamika Heenatigala (30) and Sanul Weerarathne (28), enabling them to declare on 387 for nine in 87.4 overs and gain the upper hand in the traditional encounter.
For DS Senanayake, Oshadha Perera claimed three wickets for 63 runs, while Randisha Bandaranayake and Haamid Afdhal picked up two wickets apiece.
The drawn encounter was notable for three outstanding batting feats and an impressive six-wicket haul by left-arm spinner Chamika Heenatigala.
If seasoned campaigner Sigera stole the limelight for Mahanama on the final day, it was 14-year-old Miyuru Bandara who captured attention on day one with a composed century that helped DS Senanayake compile 344 in their first innings.
The young opener displayed maturity beyond his years, scoring a patient 100, while Randisha Bandaranayake (48) and Chanul Athale (47) made important contributions lower down the order.
Heenatigala was the standout bowler for Mahanama, bowling tirelessly to finish with impressive figures of six wickets for 100 runs in 41 overs.
In their second essay DS Senanayake reached 54 for one before the match ended in a draw, with Shevan Welgama unbeaten on 25 and Sithru Gunarathna not out on 14.
Championing youth potential and performance at the President’s Trophy Inter-School Knockout Final
Hayleys Mobility proudly served as the Official Automobile Partner for the President’s Trophy Inter-School Knockout Final, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association.
The thrilling encounter between Royal College, Colombo and Trinity College, Kandy, held at Sugathadasa Stadium, brought together some of Sri Lanka’s brightest young athletes in a remarkable display of skill, determination and sportsmanship during which Trinity College emerged victorious following an outstanding performance.
This partnership reflects Hayleys Mobility’s strategic focus on nurturing youth development at every stage, from grassroots participation to national-level competition. Through its support of schools rugby, the company contributes to instilling core values such as resilience, teamwork and ambition.
Commenting on the initiative, Roshani Dharmaratne, Executive Director of Hayleys Mobility Limited, stated:
”Sponsoring schools rugby is an important way for us to invest in the potential of Sri Lanka’s youth. From their first match to performing on a national stage, these athletes are on a journey of growth, determination, and achievement. Providing them with opportunities to excel is as important to us, and we are proud to energise them to perform at their best.”
Adding further perspective, Hasith Prematillake, Managing Director of Hayleys Fentons Limited, stated:
”Rugby is a game defined by intensity, strength, and forward momentum—qualities that reflect a mindset of progress and performance. As a brand, we are inspired by this same spirit: a drive to move with confidence, embrace challenges, and push boundaries. Supporting schools rugby allows us to stand alongside the next generation as they channel their energy and passion into excellence, both on and off the field.”
Rajieve Fernando, Chief Executive Officer of Hayleys Mobility, added:
”At Hayleys Mobility, we believe in empowering journeys, whether on the road or on the field. Supporting school rugby reflects our commitment to enabling the next generation to move forward with confidence, discipline and ambition.”
Roshani Dharmaratne, Executive Director of Hayleys Mobility greeting the finalists
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