Nirgunan is perfectly correct, and even more so than he knows or admits to in this essay. My favourite innings by Aravinda was the one in Calcutta when Sri Lanka's back was to the wall ( the match was abandoned when an unruly mob pelted the players and set a fire in the stands). Aravinda should have captained sri Lanka in the years following the world Cup victory. If he had done so there would have been no slump. The factors that prevented this - the campaign, personalities, social blocs and ideology that prevented this - need analysis. They are the self same factors responsible for Sri Lanka's crisis, stagnation and non-fulfilment of its stellar potential. The winning coalition of the World Cup triumph was swiftly disaggregated, beginning with the targeting of Dav Whatmore.

Absolutrly Correct. I think his best innings ever was the Half century he scored against India in worldcup semi-final at eden Gardens. Oh ..what a inning.

The writing talents of the late Neelan's son should also be employed in other matters more urgent to Sri Lankans in general and Tamils in particular at this crucial juncture of the country's history - as it did engage the attention of his illustrious father.

Tamilweek provides welcome space for a "catholicity of political views" (a favourite expression of Neelan) on the Sri Lankan contemporary history - something that is increasingly receding in the columns of Lankan papers (English and other)

A genuis in every sense of the game, a gifted strokemaker who is equally capable of perfect defence & brilliant counterattacking stokeplay. Had he been more consistent, especially during his middle years (1986/87-1995/96), he would have become one of the greatest ever batsmen of all time. Nevertherless, considering the post-test era of Sri Lankan cricket (I haven't seen the brilliance of Mahadevan Sathasivam, who played in pre-test era), he stands out as the most complete batsman produced by Sri Lanka to-date & one of the two most gifted & match winning batsmen along with Sanath Jayasuriya.

THANKS FOR YOUR OPINIONS, YOU ARE QUIT CORRECT

why Arvinda's test average doesn't do justice to his potential and caliber...?

Aravinda DeSilva is unquestionably one of Sri Lanka's greatest batsman; however there's two Sri Lankan batsmen I rate slightly above him, Mahelda Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and I thoroughly and immensely disagree that Aravinda is better than Brian Lara and/or Sachin Tendular. Both in their time were the best batsmen, until Ricky Ponting came and took that mantle, nevertheless, I respect all opinions.

One of the game's best entertainers, de Silva possessed the strengths of many of the tallest short run-scorers: unruffable technique, strong at cutting and hooking, an unrepentant attacker. His record is unrivalled among countrymen, his place in history secure after a match-winning century in a World Cup final. He stands 5ft 3 1/2in and arguably there has not been a better smaller player. His enthusiasm was amazing:

he was a virtual ever-present in the Sri Lanka side and also played first-class and club cricket in England, South Africa and Australia. His international career ended with the 2003 World Cup, where he batted with all the verve and panache of old, and bowled his offspinners cannily. Sri Lanka's cricket authorities ensured that his wealth of cricketing experience would not go waste, appointing him a national selector. His other main interests are cakes and cars (usually fast ones). Nothing in the new Australian cricket season is more mouthwatering than the prospect of a duel between spinner supreme Shane Warne and the quick-silver master of the crease, Aravinda de Silva.

The Sri Lankan will be a key figure when his plays Australia in Tests at Perth (December 8-12), Melbourne (December 26-30) and Adelaide (January 25-29), before contesting the one-day World Series. He has a score to settle with Warne. It was against Sri Lanka only three years ago that the new spin star crashed into the headlines with a spell of 3-11 to snatch a 16 run victory when the home team seemed to have the Test sewn up. De Silva was dismissed by Greg Matthews and Craig McDermott in that topsyturvy match. He mad six and 37 - but still boasts the marvellous average of 71 for the 500 runs he has scored in five Tests against Australia.

If performances in England are any guide, this fine player consolidated his reputation and broadened his skills in remarkable fashion in the past few months. The Colombo-born batsman hit 1781 first-class runs for county side Kent at an average of almost 60 (with no not outs to inflate the figures), putting him third in the season`s aggregates, and sixth in the averages.

The right hander, 29, was a late signing when Carl Hooper, after three splendid seasons with Kent, had to join Richie Richardson`s West Indies tourists. Kent officials, players and supporters were dubious initially; Hooper had been outstanding and it was felt the first Sri Lankan Test man to join a county could not match his predecessor`s success. Then southern England`s driest summer for 400 years took over and de Silva`s batting burst into bloom like an exotic flower.

On hard wickets, with the sun on his back, he cut and drove and hooked joyously against the best bowling, to be the first to reach 1000 runs in the season (a mark set the prvious year by Brian Lara). Perhaps his finest innings was one that should have won a match, but didn`t, because his teammates could not match his example - a scintillating 112 off 95 balls in the Benson and Hedges Cup final before an enthralled Lord`s capacity crowd. De Silva had scored double centuries in his two previous first-class knocks, but had a modest run in one-day matches: this time he was in full flow, finally caught on the boundary seeking his fourth six. Lancashire won by 35 runs, but the Sri Lankan master was the obvious choice as man of the match.

The old Kent and England skipper Sir Colin Cowdrey, whose son, Graham, has shared a string of stands with de Silva, told SPORTS WEEKLY: "He`s the most delightful player who`s ever walked on a cricket field. Graham says he`s a really lovely chap. He`s a wonderful batsman - a freak really." Sir Colin said the tiny de Silva - 159cm, 3cm shorter than former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar - uses a schoolboy bat. "It`s a special lightweight bat with a very thin handle - really a Harrow bat, the size used by boys," he said.

But if the bat is small, then the scores are big - perhaps because that light weight allows de Silva to use his wrists in a fashion impossible with the bludgeoning favored by many top players. The outspoken Geoff Boycott said: "He`s a very talented player with a lot of shots. Like all shotmakers, he`s vulnerable at the start of an innings - but if he gets going he`ll thrill a lot of people. And he certainly won`t be overawed by the bowlers or the situation."

As Hooper is due back with Kent in 1996, de Silva will have to find another club and his performances this year make it certain they will be queuing up for his services. De Silva was so loyal to his adopted country he missed the first stage of the Sri Lankan tour of Pakistan, including the First Test, so he could complete his season with Kent. But speaking just before flying out to join the Sri Lankan tourists, de Silva said he was ready to leave England because the weather was turning cold again.

He was philosophical about his hectic schedule - after the Pakistan tour he plays the Champions Trophy in Sharjah before arriving in Australia on November 22. After the Australian season, it is off to the sub-continent, a program to daunt any sportsman. "I`ll only have a couple of days off, but there`s no choice in professional cricket these days," he mused. He handled the seven-day-a-week grind of English cricket without problems. Sri Lanka has made a feeble start to its Pakistan tour, but de Silva believes once several newcomers have settled down, the team should give a good account of itself in Australia, "especially if we have the sun and good wickets".

De Silva learned his game with Nondescripts Cricket Club, making his test debut at Lord`s in 1984 in his country`s first test in England. He is the only player to reach test centuries three times with sixes. Sometimes criticised for aggression leading to impetuosity, de Silva said: "That`s my natural game - I don`t want to change because I feel confident playing that way. If someone is capable of dominating the bowling, they should do it. It`s the way I`ve been playing since I was a youngster."

De Silva recently launched a fund aimed at raising $500,00 to boost the game in his islans with an Australian-style cricket academy. But for now his focus is on Australia - and his battle with Shane Warne. "I`ll play each ball on its merits," he said firmly.

It was the biting southeaster that so discomforted him at the start of last summer. The layers of thermal garments and sweaters reached right down to Aravinda de Silva's bandy legs as he ruminated at third man over whether a season of county cricket was really for him. He spoke, when he arrived, of the need for adrenalin in his game. A one-day final at Lord's, he felt, would be his ideal stage.

Indeed it was. His 112 off 95 balls in the Benson and Hedges final was arguably the finest innings played in England last summer. De Silva demonstrated all too vividly that top-class batsmen need not be constricted by the artificiality of one-day cricket. Even when the asking-rate was reaching absurd proportions, he did not have to resort to slogging. This was as felicitous a piece of batting seen in a limited-overs final since Asif Iqbal made 89 for the same county, Kent, against the same opposition, Lancashire, in 1971. Neither of these innings could have been played by an Englishman, for the ball was feathered, not bludgeoned, persuaded, not carved. Throughout the season, De Silva batted in this manner. In the first-class game, he scored 1,781 runs at an average of 59.36. Around him nothing was happening and Kent finished bottom of the County Championship table. But his standards never wavered.

De Silva took to Lord's early in his career. He was 18 when he made his Test debut there, going in at No. 7. He did not have particular cause to remember his own contribution - 19 runs in two innings - but this was Sri Lanka' s inaugural Test at Lord's and they marked the occasion by comprehensively out-batting England. Three of De Silva's colleagues made centuries and the whole side won over a predominantly English gathering. And yet, 11 years on, there was to be no Test at Lord's or anywhere else in England for him and his country. De Silva, by now regarded as a world-class batsman, unashamedly used his innings in the Benson and Hedges final as a platform to air his grievances.

"Since 1984 Sri Lanka has always played a one-off Test against England after each West Indian tour, but in 1995 we were dropped. It is disappointing because we won the last time we played England, we feel we deserve a three-Test series and, given the opportunity, we would prove good value," he said. After the way De Silva batted when the two countries last met - his innings of 80 was an important factor in Sri Lanka's victory in Colombo in 1992-93 - the marketing men ought to think likewise.

PINNADUWAGE ARAVINDA DE SILVA was born in Colombo on October 17, 1965, and, in spite of his size (5 ft 3½ in) was soon demonstrating that he possessed an exceptional talent. Like many small men, he learned to cut and hook proficiently. He started attacking the ball while playing weekend club cricket that scarcely differed in approach from the Sunday League in England. Hence De Silva's fondness for the one-day game (it was no coincidence that Kent won the League during his one season with them) and his desire early in his career not to let anything go by outside off stump. As a 19-year-old, he took part in his country's first victory, against India in Colombo, making 75 in the second innings. A decade later, he was part of the side that beat New Zealand in Napier, Sri Lanka's first victory outside their own country. It might conceivably have come earlier had England not deigned to play Sri Lanka only five times since they achieved Test status in 1981. Other issues have affected De Silva's motivation and concentration: "When the troubles were at their height in my country, the game did well just to survive. I lost my best years. It was not easy to remain motivated, training all year to play, perhaps, in just one Test."

Yet De Silva would seem to have had little difficulty in playing the long innings. At the age of 30 and after more than 50 Tests, he has a batting average that has not veered much from 40, the bench-mark of the very good batsman. His highest score, 267, was made against New Zealand in 1990-91. In addition to these accomplishments, he bowls passable off-spin that can be effective in the one-day game. His failings, indeed, have less to do with technique and character than cakes (in England) and fast cars (at home) both of which, of course, are an integral part of the game.

De Silva did not want his season with Kent to end. He would have preferred to have seen their triumph in the Sunday League through to completion rather than leave England a few days before the end of the season to rejoin Sri Lanka for the last two Tests of their series in Pakistan. "I cannot believe any player, anywhere, has been so popular," said Graham Cowdrey, his county colleague. "Ari was an inspiration to me and the whole side felt the same. When he packed his bags, he hugged each of us and I have never known a professional sports team so close to tears." - Ivo Tennant.

Master batsman Aravinda is a pride to the nation because he's the world's greatest batsman today. He has been ranked number one batsman by Wisden - the world's most accepted cricket rankings.

To become a good batsman, fast footwork, unerring judgement or brilliant eye sight is necessary. Aravinda de Silva possesses all. But there is one faculty which made him superior to others and extra-special. He can judge the ball almost as soon as the ball leaves the bowler's hand.

Aravinda who plays for the NCC is blessed with a quicker brain and quicker judgement than any other batsman in the world today. Undoubtedly, the whole country is proud of him. His innings at Lord's recently representing the World XI was a rare gem. We were fortunate to see Sachin Tendulkar (125) and Aravinda de Silva (82) building that mammoth partnership. Cricket, undoubtedly was at its best at the Mecca of Cricket - Lords that day. It was a proud moment for Sri Lanka. Master batsman Aravinda is one cricketer who puts country before self and brought credit and honour to Sri Lanka.

Aravinda de Silva has become the darling of every spectator. He came into the limelight in 1985 during the Pakistan tour, with three centuries to his credit. I was very fortunate to commentate throughout this tour. I still remember on his 20th birthday (17-10-1985) how young Aravinda smashed the reputed Imran Khan, practically off his length, to a towering six on the leg side to reach the three figure mark. At this young age, he showed class and within years, he became a superb matured player.

I saw from the commentary box at Lahore in the World Cup finals, how Aravinda de Silva and Asanka Gurusinha playing under tremendous pressure made a determined innings of character and showed how, in a difficult situation the scoring rate could be accelerated. Gurusinha played a sheet anchor role. They laid a 125-run solid foundation and when Gurusinha departed with a solid half a century, skipper Arjuna Ranatunga joined Aravinda, who was at his brilliant best. De Silva scored an unbeaten (107 n.o. - 124 balls - 13 x 4) century and Arjuna was undefeated with 47 runs (37 balls - 4 x 4 - 1 x 6). This was De Silva's 5th ODI hundred in his 18th match. He thus became the most hundred maker for Sri Lanka. De Silva also claimed three wickets in Australia's innings in the final. He became the fourth allrounder in ODI history after Vivian Richards, Deve Callaghan, and Chris Cairns and first in the World Cup history to score a hundred and claim three wickets and held two brilliant catches in the same match. Further, De Silva won his fourth "Man of the Match Award". This is a new record of most man of match awards in a single World Cup. Earlier, he was level with Graham Gooch and Mark Waugh who were awarded three man of the match awards in 1987 and 1996.

When interviewed after receiving the "Man of the Match Award", Aravinda said that he reserved the best for the last. He certainly meant every word he said with that stupendous historical allround performance.

Another of his great achievements that come to mind is his stint with Kent in the English county championships in the year 1996. Being the first Sri Lankan Test cricketer to represent an English county, he made it both record-breaking and memorable one and kept the country's flag flying high. In that season, he was the first batsman in the tournament to score 1000 runs. He almost single handedly took his county Kent into the final of the Premier One Day Tournament, the Benson and Hedges Cup. On the day of the finals he lit up Lords with a majestic hundred bringing victory to Kent after many years.

Former Prime Minister John Major, who was a keen spectator was amazed at Aravinda's batting prowess and showered praise on our little master's batting display.

It was at the age of 10 years Abu Fuard and the late K. M. T. Perera spotted, this tiny, little boy. Aravinda was playing tennis ball cricket in the back garden with his father Sam de Silva. They informed W. A. N. Silva, who was coaching D. S. Senanayake MV Juniors to keep an eye on this boy. As a junior cricketer, this naturally gifted player for the first time at practices, got an auspicious start sending the first ball he faced from an elder fast bowler over the roof of the D. S. Senanayake College building. His Teacher, guide and philosopher is Mr. R. I. T. Alles founder Principal of D. S. Senanayake MV. The present Cricket Manager, Ranjith Fernando, contributed immensely to guide Aravinda in his cricketing career watching his every more very closely.

The late Mr. Gamini Dissanayake too was a great inspiration to Aravinda who took to playing club cricket at the tender age of 15.

A great quality of Aravinda, is that he never lost his balance. In the vapourings of flattery, Aravinda never allowed his head to expand. He always respects his teachers. Soft-spoken Aravinda, a Buddhist, meditates and this may be one reason for him to improve his power of concentration. Although he moves about in flashy cars, he is unassuming, gentle and polite. He gets involved in social service activities too. On his last birthday he gifted a cricket pitch to school for the blind.

Consistency is a hall mark of a champion. There are many records that Aravinda can boast of. One notable record is that he became the first and only Test cricketer in the world to notch twin unbeaten centuries in a Test match. This he did on April 30, 1997, at the SSC grounds when he scored 138 not out in the first innings and 103 not in the second innings against Pakistan. Later in the Test match played against India (9th to 13th August 1997) Aravinda scored 146 and 120 respectively. SSC and Lords (where he scored a scintillating hundred for Kent) seems to be pet hunting grounds for Aravinda.

From the commentary box on a number of occasions, I have noticed the first sight of him as he emerged from the pavilion was sufficient to send the whole ground into ecstasy. As a champion batsman of the world Aravinda de Silva is a batting artist who has given happiness and enjoyment to many.

Keep it up Aravinda! Sri Lanka is proud of you!

ARAVINDA DE SILVA IS BEST & CHAMPION MASTER BLASTER BATSMAN FROM SRI LANKA IN WORLD CRICKET. ALTOUGH HIS CAPTAINCY PERFORMANCE WASN'T THAT GOOD LIKE HIS COOL TUBBY BUDDY WHOM WAS KNOWN AS ARJUNA RANATUNGA. ALTHOUGH ALL SRI LANKAN BATSMAN (WHOM ALSO PLAYED DURING THE LEADERSHIP OF ARJUNA RANATUNGA) SUCH AS ROSHAN MAHANAMA, HASHAN TILLAKARATNE, ASANKA GURUSINHA & SANATH JAYASURIYA, ALSO PERFORMED GOOD ENOUGH. ARAVINDA DE SILVA, HE DIDN'T GIVE UP ALTOUGH ARJUNA RANATUNGA RETIRED FROM INTERNATIONAL CRICKET IN 2000. ARAVINDA DE SILVA ALSO PLAYED LIKE A CHAMPION MASTER BLASTER BATSMAN UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF SANATH JAYASURIYA BEFORE RETIRING FROM ALL INTERNATIONAL CRICKET AFTER WORLD CUP CRICKET 2003.

oh, yes. i have to agree with you word by word. i consider aravinda de silva as the greatest match winner of all time. although i respect the legends of cricket, i think that aravinda as a batsman is a bit above them all. we have ample statistics to safeguard this statement. i never used to like him when he was batting against india, but i think i was too immatured those days. although he was not one of my favourite batsmen, i just wont open my mouth if somebody try to argue that arvinda de silva is the greatest of em all. i know one thing that if there is a batsman who will take a difficult innings single handedly, stand till the end of the innings with a murderous approach and then snatch back the game in his country's favour, it is aravinda de silva. i have watched sunil gavaskar, viv richards, michel holding, vengsarkar, kapil, azhar, shane warne and of course sachin tendulkar, brian lara, rahul dravid, ricky ponting. but i sense some pride to have watched at least 50% of aravinda's career. that's enough for me to say "brilliant batsman........by far".

The greatest sri lankan batsman of all time and one of the finest batsman in the world

Dilip De Silva
Darwin
Australia