Sri Lanka’s iconic world cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga is present at the historic Galle stadium to witness the farewell test of veteran Rangana Herath against England.
Apart from legendary Ranatunga, Former Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) President Sidath Wettimuny, two former secretaries Nishantha Ranatunga and Kushil Gunasekera are also present at the stadium along with game’s greatest bowler Muttiah Muralitharan.
Rangana has been playing his final test for Sri Lanka at Galle stadium against England, starting from today.
Going into his final Test, Herath has picked 430 wickets at an average of 27.95 and a strike rate of 59.7 in 168 Test bowling innings in his career.
Herath’s elevation as Sri Lanka’s leading bowler post Murali’s retirement transformed his career. From a support bowler he became a match-winner. This responsibility and leadership brought out the best in him. Remarkably from the age of 32.
In 70 matches thereafter, Herath has picked 359 wickets at an average of 25.98 and strike rate of 56.6. All his nine 10-wicket hauls have come in this period. 30 out of his 34 five-wickets in an innings have also come in this period.
Only James Anderson (399) has taken more wickets in Test cricket than Herath during this period. No bowler has more 10-wicket and 5-wicket in an innings hauls than the Sri Lankan spinner in this time-frame.
