By Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from Galle
“I am very loyal to Sri Lanka Cricket. I have had a long association with them. My teammates and captains have been superb. Their support has been great. Otherwise, I would have not played for this long. I am thankful to all of them all the coaches and the selectors. Some of the decisions they took helped me to get there. Although I was dropped from the side, I was never taken out of the ‘A’ team.” said Sri Lankan most experienced left arm leg spinner on his last press conference before this retirement Galle test match against England at the Galle International Stadium VIP Boardroom.
This was very emotional for all. Rangana who started his test carrier in Galle in 1999 against Australia now decided to retire from same Galle International Stadium playing against England. This is my favourite hunting ground said Rangan. The weather is not perfect with gloomy in everywhere but Rangana wanted to finished with great style. In fact, Galle Esplanade is very especial Murali also retired from Test cricket after taking 800 wickets at Galle. Noe today Rangana also going to retire at the same ground. This also historical one said Galle CC President Kumar Samarasinghe. Ashley de Silva CEO SLC said we are going to give good farewell to Rangana at Galle. He is our Legent after Murali. He did a superb job to Sri Lanka.
Harsha Samaranayake the General Manager Media and Communication Dialog Axiata said Rangana is our Dialog Brand Ambassador We have to respect him and also make special arrangements for Rangana at the Dialog cricket awards which scheduled to be held on 28th November.
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Herath began to thank those who had played a big part in his life as a cricketer and from the onset the very mention of his parents who are no longer with him brought tears to his eyes which he fought back to regain his composure and continue.
“For me to come this far, the biggest strength has been my parents. They are no more,” said Herath with very emotionally.
“My wife Senani and children, my coaches and teachers, my school friends, I would like to remember them all,” Herath continued.Lal Dinapurna my first coach at Narammala Mayurapada Central and then Rohan Deerasuriya who was the coach when I was crossed over to Maliyadeva College Kurunegala. Deerasuriya Sir is the great coach . He is very well known coach and advised me to start leg spin . Because I started eith pace ball earlier . From Maliyadeva to club level Kurunegala SC, Kurunegala YCC , Colts , Moors and today Tamil Union I had several talented coaches who gave me lot of support . I also special thanks to my two great Maliyadeva spinners Ranjith Madurusinghe and Ajith Ekanayake both of them always back me .I never forget St. Bernadette’s Vidyalaya, which I started my Education at Polgahawela.
“I am also loyal to Sri Lanka Cricket. I have had a long association with them. My team mates and captains have been superb. Their support has been great. Otherwise I would have not played for this long. I am thankful to all of them all the coaches and the selectors. Some of the decisions they took helped me to get there. Although I was dropped from the side, I was never taken out of the ‘A’ team.”
. The people who have helped me during my injuries – the doctors, physios and trainers and all those in the backroom. The media has been great. You have always encouraged us. A special thanks to all of you guys in the media. Players will fail and I ask you to support them. I am thankful to all the sponsors. I have done three jobs East West Marketing, John Keels and Sampath Bank. I am thankful to all of them. Also the fans, thank you for everything you have been to me,” he said.. Especaily wanted to say Sampath Bank my present employed place . They are great . When I came from International cricket I used to back my Bank I do my normal work . Every time I had I used to play for Sampath Bank . That must give for my Bank because they give all for me to continue cricket.
. In 1994 I got an opportunity to tour Malaysia with the Sri Lanka Under-17 team which Captained by Indika Konara former Anandian . That was the point I got a desire for the game. I realized I had some potential and then played for the Under-19 side. In 1999 I got an opportunity to play for Moors where present coach Hathurusinghe also played that period . Then I got a break to go to England with the ‘A’ team. Good performances their helped me to make my Test debut.
“Until 2000 I was in the Sri Lankan side but opportunities were few and rare. In 2002 I got an opportunity again and in 2004. But that didn’t last long. I am happy looking back. The way I exhibited my skills to force a comeback was important. I had confidence in me that I could do this again. In 2009 I got a break and from that point I was able to hold onto a place in the national side.”
Herath rated his greatest achievement in international cricket was playing his first Test match against Australia at Galle in 1999. “As an international player my first game is always memorable playing the Aussies here in Galle. Winning the World T-20 in 2014 was great as well. That was our first major win after the 1996 World Cup. Disappointments were playing in the 2011 World Cup and 2012 World T-20 where we came to the finals and lost. So 2014 was always a cherishing experience.”
Looking at Test cricket and how much it has changed since he made his debut in 1999, Herath said, “I can see some difference. At the start we didn’t have T-20 cricket. We have now more competitive cricket and we have more skilful and aggressive players. In Test cricket and ODIs we have fewer maiden overs. Players are playing shots and they have improved their skills compared to 20 years ago.”
Herath said that it was the advent of T20 cricket that led to him retiring from white ball cricket after the World T20 in 2016 and concentrate on Test matches. “You have to be 100 percent fit to play T-20s and ODIs. That was one reason to take the decision at that time,” said Herath who has been playing the latter years with crocked knees.He also reminded when he played for t-20 world cup in 2014 in Bangladesh , At Chittogon grounds I was lucky to get five for three against New Zealand and entered to semi final and finally we won the T-20 world cup under Lasith Malinga which was the most memorable moment .
He said the most important element that kept him performing the way he has done is accuracy. “I don’t see any rocket science. If you take the orthodox spinners what they have is that they are able to maintain the right length and right line. If you get to left-arm spinners there is natural variation. The last 15 years of my career I gained a lot of experience and that helped me. If you have a strong and smooth action the line and length can be maintained.”
Herath who requires one more wicket to reach 100 Test wickets at Galle said that he would like to share a bit of his knowledge with some of the younger players and added that there was still after his retirement.
“If you take even this squad and the ODI squad, there is lot of potential. If we can give them the right environment and the right mental support I am sure you will see good players in the future as well.”
However Hearth also pointed out dedication is more important to build up carrier. When Murali was with our team I could not bowl very much . Some time I could even find the place . But I was never discouraged and play hard to find the place. When I was not taking the wicket with bowling long spell I I never went down . Those are the areas to think for the youngsters.
Finally Herath said I did lot for Sri Lanka cricket . I always played for the team played for the country . That is my success.
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