Sanath Jayasuriya Profile: The Opener Who Changed One-Day Cricket
Profile of Sanath Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan left-handed opener whose attacking approach helped win the 1996 World Cup and who made 340 in a Test.
Sanath Jayasuriya is remembered as one of the players who transformed the way one-day cricket was played. A fearless left-handed opener who also bowled useful left-arm spin, he finished his career with more than 13,000 one-day international runs and nearly 7,000 in Tests, and was a key figure in Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup triumph.
Early life and rise
Born in Matara in 1969, Jayasuriya made his international debut in 1989. For several years he was a middle-order batter and spinner, but Sri Lanka’s decision to promote him to open in limited-overs cricket in the mid-1990s changed his career, and the game.
Playing style
Jayasuriya’s approach was based on aggression. He took advantage of fielding restrictions in the opening overs, using powerful cuts, punches off the back foot and clean hitting down the ground. Together with his opening partner Romesh Kaluwitharana, he showed that attacking the new ball from the first over could be a winning strategy in one-day cricket, a template many teams later followed.
Career highlights
At the 1996 World Cup, Sri Lanka won the title and Jayasuriya was named player of the tournament for his batting and bowling. In Tests, his 340 against India in Colombo in 1997 was the highest score by a Sri Lankan at that time of play. In ODIs, his 189 against India in Sharjah in 2000 was a national record.
He scored 28 one-day international centuries and took more than 300 wickets in the format with his left-arm spin. His international career lasted until 2011.
After cricket
After retiring, Jayasuriya entered politics and was elected to the Sri Lankan parliament in 2010. He also played for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League.
Legacy
Jayasuriya’s influence on the modern limited-overs game is widely acknowledged, and he is considered one of Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketers. Career figures are given as at the end of his international career.
Frequently asked questions
What was Sanath Jayasuriya’s highest Test score?
His highest Test score was 340, made against India in Colombo in 1997.
Was Jayasuriya part of Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup win?
Yes. He was a key member of the winning side and was named player of the tournament.
What bowling style did Jayasuriya use?
He bowled slow left-arm orthodox spin.