Jayananda Warnaweera

Warnaweera was an effective bowler in his limited Test career. An offspinner, Warnaweera bowled the ball at a quick pace but questions over the legality of his action eventually saw him sanctioned from the international arena.

Under home conditions where he played the majority of his Tests he was a dangerous customer. A promising series against an England A team saw Warnaweera make his test debut against Pakistan in 1986. Used sparingly he had the figures of 1/26 bowling only 8.3 overs and had to wait till November 1990 for his second chance in the one off Test against India, taking 3/90 from 46 tidy overs. On the following tour of NZ he went wicketless at Wellington in what turned out to be his only Test in the series. Recalled against New Zealand in 1992/93. At SSC he took 4/25 as Sri Lanka spun New Zealand out, winning the Test and hence the series 1-0. At the same ground Warnaweera was instrumental in helping Sri Lanka to its first victory over England capturing 8/188 from 65.1 overs in the match. Against the Indian batsman he was less effective taking 6 wickets in 3 Tests.

Following the conclusion of his playing career Warnaweera became involve in the preparation of the Galle stadium. One of his proudest moments being when the ground hosted the second Test against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, its inaugural international fixture.

(Johann P Jayasekera , Sep 1999)