Why Jayasuriya could last 20 years in international cricket

THE 40-year-old mauler from Matara, Sanath Jayasuriya in more ways than one, has revolutionised international cricket. Having made his debut on December 26, 1989, Jayasuriya along with opening partner Romesh Kaluwitharna played a telling role in Sri Lanka's triumph in the 1996 edition of the World Cup.

Their batting approach then, perhaps laid the foundation of the slam-bang brand of cricket that is commonly witnessed now. As Jayasuriya completes two decades in ODI cricket today, Saturday MiD DAY tries to evaluate a few top qualities that have helped the Sri Lankan left-hander become the icon that he is today.

Non-controversial
In these 20 long years, not once has his name been embroiled in any controversy. He is in the same league as South African Shaun Pollock and our very own Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar. These cricketers have attained demi-god status but not once have they thrown their weight around and have always remained ideal role-models. They have not only behaved impeccably on the field, but have conducted themselves perfectly off it as well. Jayasuriya belongs to such illustrious breed of gentlemen.

Fearlessness
The other most important attribute Jayasuriya possessed was fearlessness. Jayasuriya was not very strong in technique, but was gifted with great eyesight. He was quick to make the necessary adjustments with just a pivot and quickly come into position to execute a rewarding stroke. Also, he was never bogged down. Even if he were out of form, he would play his natural, attacking game.

Destructive ability
On his day, Jayasuriya treated bowling with utter disdain. Best of bowlers, even when they bowled wicket-taking deliveries, would be dispatched to the fence. His best display of explosive batting was on show during the 1996 World Cup. He made the most of the 15-over regulation (only two fielders permitted outside the 30-yard circle) and played a critical role in Sri Lanka's triumph. For the past 20 years, Jayasuriya, under several captains, has played many match-winning knocks for his team.

Defying the odds
Not many cricketers have had two-decade careers to boast of. Some of them, in fact, have had to battle injuries, disciplinary reprimands, and other issues even in their short-lived careers. Pakistan's extremely talented fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is a classic case. But Jayasuriya has been exceptional. He has rarely missed a match through injury. Also, when Jayasuriya started his career, he was not the frontline marauder that he has morphed into over the years. His designated batting position was usually in the lower middle-order. But he was pitchforked to the No 1 batting position and he has gone on to play as many as 382 innings as an opener in his unblemished 482-match ODI career. Some achievement this!