Bandula Warnapura, Sri Lanka’s first test captain, monday passed away. He was 68.
An opening batsman with solid defence, Warnapura played 4 tests and captained Sri Lanka in its first ever 5 day match. He also faced the first delivery and scored the first Test run for Sri Lanka.
“He was an excellent cricketer, administrator, coach, commentator and, above all, a good person, and his passing away is a huge loss for the cricket community,” Sri Lanka Cricket President Shammi Silva said in a statement posted Monday on Twitter.
“I am sure his name and deeds will remain in our hearts forever” he further wrote.
Warnapura also played 12 one-day internationals, including the World Cups in 1975 and 1979 before Sri Lanka was elevated to cricket’s highest status.
After his retirement, he also served as Sri Lanka national team coach and administrator at Cricket board.
