Last week Sri Lanka cricket announced that celebrated right-arm fast bowler Suranga Lakmal has decided to retire after the forthcoming Indian tour. Cricket fans were taken aback by his sudden decision.
Today, the Youth Observer write about his beginnings and his admirable job for Sri Lanka cricket.
‘’I was born in Debarawewa. We did not have facilities like Colombo or other major cities. We had to find success the hard way.
My father is a farmer who is always working in his chena. When I was young I used to help him with his work. But he did not like to get my help. He often told me to do my homework and that he could manage his cultivation alone. I remember when I ran around and played with boys in the village,” said Lakmal recalling his younger days.
Farming in Debarawewa is very tough due to the harsh environment. So, Suranga’s family faced many economical problems. But, his father cultivated and provided enough food for his family.
Suranga’s father is Albert Aiyya. Every person in the village called him by that name. His son Suranga is called Albert’s son.
Albert’s son did well in sports compared to other boys in the village.
Richmond College
“In that situation I got a chance to play for my school cricket team as a fast bowler. My height and rhythm of bowling helped me. The Debarawewa National school cricket team played with several well-known schools and some of the coaches of these schools invited me to join their school. But, I wanted to play for my school in the early days. Richmond College, Galle too invited me to join their school. My coaches and several well-known people in our area advised me not to let go of the chance and enter Richmond College. Finally, I accepted the invitation and became a Richmond student,” he said.
At that time Sri Lanka Cricket coaches had identified his bowling talent. It was also a big boost for his school. The coaches identified him as a lad with very strong genes like Aborigine people.
‘’Suranga can bowl long spells without getting tired and Sri Lanka Cricket officials closely watched his playing attitude.
Bowling experts said his bowling action was similar to Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath. Suranga’s wrist position when he releases the ball is similar to that of McGrath’s.
“I was selected to the Sri Lanka Cricket fast bowling academy. They took care of me well. I was keen to find success and worked hard. It was like a dream when I became the focus in cricket circles,” said Suranga.
As an outstation school cricketer he found success due to his ability to swing the ball well and in 2009 he was selected to the national pool.
“I was called to the national team in 2009.My first match was an International One-Day match against India in Nagpur. I could not take any wickets. But, in the second match in Kolkata I got two wickets.
My first Test match was against the West Indies on November 23, 2010. I played two matches and got three wickets. That was my beginning. People were happy that a lad from remote Debarawewa was able to play in the national team. This gave my morale a boost and I concentrated on improving my skills.
“My first wicket was that of Chris Gayle and the second was that of Darren Sammy. In my second Test match in Pallekale and I got only two wickets in two innings. I next played a Test match in 2011 against England in Cardiff. During that tour we played three Test matches and I was successful in a fast-bowler friendly environment. In the second match at Lords, I grabbed three wickets and six wickets at Southampton. Then my place in the national team was established,’’ he said.
Test wickets
He has taken 167 wickets in Test matches since 2010. Suranga has got 109 wickets playing in 86 ODI matches and 11 T20s and bagged eight wickets in 11 T20 matches.
“I have been repressing the national team since 2009 till today. I am 34 now. This is the time to decide my future. I think I must leave the team at the right time and this is the suitable time. I wish to quit my National cricket journey after the Indian tour and I thank everyone who helped me to come on this long journey. I have signed a two-year contract with Derbyshire County in England to play cricket.
Suranga Lakmal has sent a letter to Sri Lanka Cricket informing them of his decision to retire from all formats of the game. In the letter he thanks everyone who gave him the opportunity to develop his career.
“I’m indebted to Sri Lanka Cricket for giving me this astonishing opportunity and having faith in me to bring my motherland honour, as it has been [an] absolute pleasure to be associated with the Board that shaped my professional life and also enriched my personal development,” he stated in the letter.
“Micky Arthur, a former national coach in Sri Lanka Cricket invited him to join Derbyshire County for two years.
“It was a happy moment in my life. I have been keen on playing county cricket for a long time. I have now got the chance finally. I hope to play with them after I retire from the national team.
“I also wish to play with youngsters and share my knowledge with them. After I come back I hope to share my knowledge with young cricketers in Sri Lanka. I am very happy that I was able to come in cricket this far though I am from a remote area,” he said.
Further he added some paragraphs to his letter that submitted to Sri Lanka cricket like this.
The Youth Observer wishes him success in his future endeavours.
