Thank you for the memories, Mahela!

Tuesday, 19 August 2014 01:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Varuna Ratnaweera You have been a great ambassador for the game of cricket – a true sportsman in word and deed. Though winning matches have always brought joy and pride to our nation, you have shown truly remarkable qualities in accepting victory and defeat alike.

You will remain etched in our minds for your graceful artistry in batting which has made it look a very simple task and for your tactical acumen in leadership and motivational skills that has brought glory to Sri Lanka many a time. The records you have set are too many to list but the highest test score of 374 you made against South Africa and your world record partnership with your friend Kumar Sangakkara would stand tall for a long time. Sri Lanka will not forget the way you led the team to the world cup final in 2007 and your historic century in the 2011 world cup finals. Though we had to end as runners up, on both occasions you and your team won the hearts of the cricket world with the exemplary mannerism and conduct off the field, the same way you played the game to its true spirit on the field. You have truly lived up to the resolution you made as a 15-year-old lad, that one day you will do your best to bring pride and glory to Sri Lanka. We as Sri Lankans are more proud of you for The Spirit of Cricket Award you won from ICC, than any of your other awards, because that personifies the real character of the exemplary cricketer you have been. Thank you Mahela, for the beautiful memories which will certainly linger on!