Angelo Mathews is not going to surpass Mahela Jayawardene, but retires as one of Sri Lanka’s most prolific Test batsman regardless
Sri Lanka has produced some of the finest batters in Test cricket history.
From prolific stroke-makers to modern-day aggressors, their production of high-class operators cannot be understated.
Pioneers like Aravinda de Silva paved the way for future Sri Lankan batters, and stars such as the outgoing Angelo Mathews have been the embodiment of consistency for the nation.
Let’s take a look at the top nine Test run scorers for Sri Lanka.
9. Tillakaratne Dilshan – 5,492 Test runs for Sri Lanka
Dilshan brought white-ball flair into the longer format and became renowned for his iconic ‘Dilshan Scopp’ where he’d riskally shovel the ball back over his stumps behind the wicketkeeper.
He scored at will, even against the leading Test cricket nations, with a strike rate of 65.54. He averaged 40.98 over 87 Test matches and scored 16 Test centuries, demonstrating that he was more than just a limited-overs player.
8. Marvan Atapattu – 5,502 Test runs for Sri Lanka
Atapattu was never rash and cut a composed figure at the crease for Sri Lanka‘s top order in the late 90s and early 2000s.
He struck an astonishing six double centuries for his country after a rough introduction to Test cricket. He went on to notch 16 centuries for Sri Lanka and was a rock in their ranks for many years.
7. Dinesh Chandimal – 6,208 Test runs for Sri Lanka
Chandimal has developed into one of Sri Lanka’s most dependable options in the middle order, averaging 43.41 and frequently anchoring innings and adding valuable runs for his country.
His knocks have been built on steely grit and determination, picking up 16 centuries and a double hundred along the way.
6. Aravinda de Silva – 6,361 Test runs for Sri Lanka
Arguably Sri Lanka’s first truly world-class batter, de Silva was graceful at the crease and could seemingly build an innings with ease, averaging 42.97 in an era of relentless fast bowling.
His 20 hundreds in 93 Tests were capped off by a memorable 267 against New Zealand that got the nation rocking.
5. Sanath Jayasuriya – 6,973 Test runs for Sri Lanka
The attacking mindset of Jayasuriya made him the perfect personality for the redefined, aggressive role of the opener in Test cricket, highlighted by a heroic innings of 340 against India.
His longevity was impressive, 14 centuries at 40.07 in 110 Tests is a contribution to his country that will be remembered by all of Sri Lanka.
4. Dimuth Karunaratne – 7,222 Test runs for Sri Lanka
A Sri Lanka Test captain and great servant to the side, Karunaratne has been a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s batting depth for 100 Test matches, averaging 39.25.
His technique and approach to the longest form of the game have always been impressive as he racked up 16 centuries for Sri Lanka, who depended on him at the top of the order.
3. Angelo Mathews – 8,167 Test runs for Sri Lanka
The outgoing veteran all-rounder was one of Sri Lanka’s greatest captains and versatile batters playing all across the batting order while averaging 44.62.
Mathews played every role for his nation and is a hero in Sri Lanka. Whether it was hitting winning runs, crafting long innings or turning the game on its head, Mathews has been one of the nation’s most dependable operators who they will miss.
2. Mahela Jayawardene – 11,814 Test runs for Sri Lanka
Jayawardene brought the elegance, patience and class that Sri Lanka’s batting has often lacked, finding immense consistency in the middle order.
In 149 Tests, he averaged 49.84 and scored a mammoth 34 centuries, highlighted by a monumental 374 against South Africa in Colombo.
1. Kumar Sangakkara – 12,400 Test runs for Sri Lanka
Sangakkara was nothing short of a genius with the bat and a pillar of Sri Lankan cricket with his weighty average of 57.40, often a key component in their success.
His average is one of the greatest in the modern era, with his numbers highlighting his sheer dominance.
134 Tests. 38 centuries, 11 double-hundreds and over 1400 boundaries. Need I say any more?
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