A leader, people person and go-to guy

Wednesday, 16 July 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Former Sri Lanka cricketers, coaches and team-mates pay tribute to Mahela Jayawardene, who will retire from Test cricket in August

ESPNCricinfo: “As a leader, and a team man, there is no one you would rather have around than Mahela. Even when he’s not captain, he’s the leader of that Sri Lanka team, and I think Angie [Angelo Mathews] has learned a lot from him over the past few months. Everything he does is always for the team and for Sri Lankan cricket. There is not a selfish bone in his body. For any overseas coach he’s your go-to guy, because he’s thinking about everyone in the team - the seniors, the juniors, support staff - everyone. He’s a real people person and that’s his great strength. He is a world-class player and a world-class person. Sri Lankan cricket will not realise how much he means to the team, until he’s gone.” Paul Farbrace, former Sri Lanka coach

“Mahela has given outstanding service for Sri Lankan cricket, and even when he was captain, he was someone who would always back the young players in the team. They learn a lot of things from him, and that experience he shares will help them do well in Test cricket as well.” Sanath Jayasuriya, current Sri Lanka selector “He was always good off me, and I preferred him to be at slip because he had very fast reflexes, a good technique and good hands. I think taking slip catches off spinners is one of the hardest things, but he was the best at that. He started off at short leg, and he took a lot of catches there as well, before moving into slip. I always felt comfortable with him there.” Muttiah Muralitharan, former Sri Lanka spinner “Sad to see @MahelaJay retiring from two versions. Easily the best captain I have played under. Lucky to have played alongside you! #legend” Farveez Maharoof, former Sri Lanka allrounder “He is a truly great player and one of the nicest guys. I think what Sri Lanka will miss most is his mentoring of the youth. It’s good to go when you have a little left in you - you’ll always miss a player more when he does that. I think he’s made a sensible decision.” Sidath Wettimuny, former Sri Lanka batsman “Mahela was less of a planner - he was a man who made decisions on the ground. That made him an innovative captain who would come up with new options when things didn’t go well. His influence in Sri Lankan cricket is phenomenal. He might not have been the most consistent player around, but there were matches where he would win a game off his own bat, so you’ve got to make an allowance for that. He will also go down as one of the most elegant players going around.” Ranjit Fernando, former Sri Lanka cricketer “When I walked into the national team, he was my first captain. I learnt a lot by looking at him, and by what he is doing on and off the field - the way he handles situations. He’s been tremendous for us in the past 15 years and I am very thankful to him.”Angelo Mathews, Sri Lanka captain “I first saw Mahela when he had just come out of school, and apart from his batting, he had a great attitude and always read the game brilliantly. I’ve enjoyed talking with him over the years and he’s always happy to share his experience with other players. When I was coach of Nepal and I brought some of the Nepal players to Sri Lanka, Mahela would always come and talk to them and give some advice. He is that kind of person.” Roy Dias, former Sri Lanka batsman “Mahela has been an amazing servant for Sri Lanka cricket. In his last four Tests, I’m sure he will represent them as honourably as he has done over the last 18 years. Definitely, he is one of the all time greats for Sri Lanka.” Hashim Amla, South Africa’s Test captain