Mahela Jayawardene Profile: Sri Lanka’s Stylish Run-Scorer
Profile of Mahela Jayawardene, the Sri Lankan right-hander who scored 374 against South Africa and more than 11,000 Test runs across a 1997 to 2015 career.
Mahela Jayawardene was one of Sri Lanka’s greatest batters, admired for his wristy strokeplay and tactical intelligence. Across a career that lasted from 1997 to 2015, he scored more than 11,000 Test runs and more than 12,000 runs in one-day internationals, and he also captained his country.
Early life and rise
Born in Colombo in 1977, Jayawardene was educated at Nalanda College and later Sinhalese Sports Club in the domestic game. He made his Test debut against India in 1997 and gradually established himself in the middle order, eventually becoming the heart of the Sri Lankan batting line-up.
Playing style
Jayawardene had a soft-handed, elegant technique and particularly enjoyed cutting, pulling and clipping the ball off his legs. He was equally at home on turning pitches in Asia and on seaming surfaces abroad, which earned him a reputation as a complete batter. As a thinker on the field, he was also seen as one of the sharper captains of his generation.
Career highlights
His highest Test score, 374 against South Africa in Colombo in 2006, came during a record-breaking partnership of 624 with Kumar Sangakkara, the highest stand for any wicket in Test history. He scored 34 Test centuries in all, across 149 matches.
In one-day cricket he played in several World Cups, and in the 2011 final in Mumbai he scored an unbeaten century in a losing cause against India. He was also part of Sri Lanka’s 2014 T20 World Cup win and played in the sides that reached World Cup finals in 2007 and 2011.
Franchise cricket
Jayawardene played in the Indian Premier League for Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala and Delhi Daredevils, and in English county cricket for Kent.
Legacy
Jayawardene is remembered as a player who combined artistry with big-match temperament, and as part of a golden generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. Career totals are stated as at his retirement in 2015.
Frequently asked questions
What was Mahela Jayawardene’s highest Test score?
His highest Test score was 374, made against South Africa in Colombo in 2006.
How many Test centuries did Mahela Jayawardene score?
He scored 34 Test centuries in 149 Tests.
Did Mahela Jayawardene captain Sri Lanka?
Yes. He captained Sri Lanka in international cricket during his career.