Mahela Jayawardene: Sri Lanka’s Star Batsman
Sri Lanka’s senior right-hand batsman, Mahela Jayawardene is considered to be one of the most talented players of his generation. His amazing ability to make runs all around the ground and remain at the crease when the team is in trouble, has earned him the respect of many of the world’s top cricket players. Jayawardene’s career has been filled with many accolades and his desire to perform for his country in the ICC World Cup 2011 is a top priority.
Mahela had a passion for cricket since his early childhood, as he started playing for Nanda College Colombo. Here, he groomed his cricket and began playing for the Sinhalese Sports Club in 1995. It was during his domestic cricket that he began to mature as solid batsman, allowing him to secure a place in the Sri Lanka team in 1997.
Jayawardene made his Test debut in 1997 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757. He has mad a century against each Test playing country. Jayawardene has grabbed the ‘Man of the Series Award’ twice and ‘Man of the match’ award eight times.
The Sri Lankan has played 116 Test matches and scored 9527 runs at a commanding average of 53.82 runs, with a best of 374 runs including 28 centuries and 38 fifties. He has also claimed 6 wickets. As his Test record indicates, Jayawardene’s brilliant skill and technique has earned him the respect of many cricket players and fans from around the world.
Jayawardene is a very useful One Day International player and was the second highest run getter by scoring 548 runs in 11 matches at an average of 60.88 runs in the ICC World Cup 2007. Matthew Hayden was the highest scorer with 659 runs in 11 matches at an average of 73.22 runs. Jayawardene was awarded the ‘Man of the Series ‘award four times and ‘Man of the Match’ award for 14 times.
He started his ODI career on 24 January, 1998 against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Zimbabwe-c3045 at the Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. Mahela has played 333 ODI matches and scored 9219 runs at an average of 32.92 runs, with a highest of 128 runs with 13 centuries and 55 fifties. His incredible ODI performances have led Sri Lanka to many crucial victories.
Jayawardene commenced his T20 cricket against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 won by 2 runs. He has played 32 matches and scored 784 runs at an average of 28.00 runs, with a highest of 100 with 4 fifties.
Mahela was honoured as ‘ICC Best Captain of the Year’ in 2006 and the ‘Wisdon Cricketer of the year’ in 2007.
Jayawardene will be the batsman to watch in the World Cup, as he will work hard in becoming the number one batsman of the tournament. His brilliant technique and steady temperament will anchor the Sri Lankan team and allow them to dominate their opponents in any type of conditions. Jawardene fierce competitive spirit and aggressive batting style will be the key component if Sri Lanka is to compete at the World Cup and bring home the coveted trophy.
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