An interesting question and answer series on some of our national cricketers
-Lahiru Thirimanne
What got you into cricket?
I used to play cricket from my younger days. My brother also played cricket, so I was exposed the sport early on.
What’s your most memorable moment?
My most memorable moment would be scoring my first century against Australia.
How does it feel to be playing professional cricket?
It feels very good to be playing professional cricket, I am enjoying myself.
What kind of playing conditions do you prefer?
I think Sri Lankan conditions are more suitable for me, but I like Australian conditions as well.
If you could name one past cricketer as your role model, who would it be?
Aravinda De Silva
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-Rangana Herath
What got you into cricket?
The reason what got me into cricket is because I genuinely love the sport. We used to watch our cricket stars on television, which also attracted me towards the sport.
What’s your most memorable moment?
I believe my international test debut against Australia in 1999 could be considered my most memorable one.
How does it feel to be playing professional cricket?
My first international tour representing Sri Lanka was the U17 tour of Malaysia and from then onwards I believed I can work hard towards getting into the National side, and the feeling to be there is extremely good.
What kind of playing conditions do you prefer?
As a cricketer you should be able to play in any condition. I prefer Sri Lanka the most, but Australia and England have very nice playing conditions as well.
If you could name one past cricketer as your role model, who would it be?
Even though I am a spinner, I love to watch Wasim Akram bowl.
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-Ajantha Mendis
What got you into cricket?
I really like the sport so I decided to pursue with it.
What’s your most memorable moment?
I think my debut against the West Indies is my most memorable moment.
How does it feel to be playing professional cricket?
There is a big difference playing professional cricket. Considering Club and International level, playing in this stage is very tough.
What kind of playing conditions do you prefer?
I prefer the Sri Lankan playing conditions the most.
If you could name one past cricketer as your role model, who would it be?
Muttiah Muralitharan
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-Thisara Perera
What got you into cricket?
I started playing cricket because I love the sport.
What’s your most memorable moment?
Even though we lost the game, scoring a six in the final ball of the 2011 World Cup final.
How does it feel to be playing professional cricket?
Playing professional cricket is very tough, most occasions you are away from home and country so I try my best to stick with my family whenever possible.
What kind of playing conditions do you prefer?
I like Indian conditions because the wickets are pretty flat and is good for batting, while bowlers have to be more tactful using slow balls to deceive batsmen etc.
If you could name one past cricketer as your role model, who would it be?
I started playing cricket after watching the 1996 World Cup and the performance of Sanath Jayasuriya. I had a dream of playing with him some day and at the T20 World Cup in 2010 I managed to achieve this dream.
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-Jeevan Mendis
What got you into cricket?
Since I was small I was exposed to the game since my dad and brother were extremely interested in cricket and I started to like the game very much as well.
What’s your most memorable moment?
I would consider my national debut against Zimbabwe to be the most memorable moment for me.
How does it feel to be playing professional cricket?
I am very satisfied that I am doing a job which I love to do. Not many people get the opportunity to pursue a career in which they would enjoy completely and I cherish this opportunity.
What kind of playing conditions do you prefer?
I prefer playing conditions which aren’t too cold or too hot.
If you could name one past cricketer as your role model, who would it be?
Mahela Jayawardena
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-Dimuth Karunarathne
What got you into cricket?
I chose cricket because I had a liking from the sport since I was small. I used to watch a lot of matches and play with my friends and family at home. I got an opportunity to play for the U13 team at St. Joseph’s College, after which I got further experience playing for the Sri Lanka‘A’ team and now I am very happy to be representing the National Side as well.
What’s your most memorable moment?
I think being a test player in Sri Lanka Cricket is a huge achievement. Therefore, receiving the test cap is my most memorable moment.
How does it feel to be playing professional cricket?
Even though it is a profession, I take this as a hobby because I enjoy it very much. Apart from the cricket, it also involves a lot of travelling and meeting different kinds of people from different parts of the world which is very enjoyable. Cricket isn’t about money, to me it is part of life.
What kind of playing conditions do you prefer?
I am a back foot player, so I prefer Australian condition. As an opener I prefer conditions with bounce and pace rather than seaming conditions.
If you could name one past cricketer as your role model, who would it be?
When I used to be small I love Brian Lara. Since I am a left-hander I follow a lot of the left hand batsmen. Kumar Sangakkara is another player I try to emulate; it isn’t about copying his style but Inco-operating his attitudes to the game.
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-Nuwan Kulasekara
What got you into cricket?
I joined cricket because I truly love the sport.
What’s your most memorable moment?
I have two memorable moments, first one being my half century at Lord’s and the other one being the five-wicket haul at Brisbane.
How does it feel to be playing professional cricket?
Playing professional cricket is very good; it also includes a lot of discipline. You need to train hard and stick to schedules. Apart from just training it also includes disciplines such as getting good nutrition and keeping fit. I am enjoying myself.
What kind of playing conditions do you prefer?
I would prefer any playing condition that helps seam bowlers since I love to swing the ball.
If you could name one past cricketer as your role model, who would it be?
Sir Vivian Richards, Malcolm Marshall
