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Memories of a true legend
Bernie Wijesekera talks to C.I.Gunasekera who recalls the great double century partnership he put on with Keith Miller at the Oval for the Commonwealth XI
"With the passing away of Keith Ross Miller, the cricketing world has lost an all-time legend and a charming personality", said C. Ivers Gunasekera, the former Royal, SSC and Sri Lanka all rounder in an interview with The Sunday Times.

Better known as C.I. himself is one of the greats who donned the pads, and maintained the spirit of the game in both cricket and tennis. Ivers, was one the hardest strikers of the ball on the field and in the courts. Today he leads a humble life all alone in his ancestral home. Still possesses cheerful heart - a heart burning with love.

Gunasekera said, "Miller was one of the greatest all rounders that Australia has produced be it in the past or at present. He was a cricketing character, who mixed around freely with the highest and the lowest on and off the field. A gentleman to the finger tips he maintained its dignity for others to emulate.

I have met and had the rare opportunity of playing with him with the star-studded Commonwealth XI led by late F.C. de Saram against the MCC team skippered by Nigel Howard at the Oval. The team included the likes of India's great all rounder, Vinoo Mankad, Imtiaz Ahamed and Fazal Mahmud (Pakistan), Keith Miller and left-handed Neil Harvey who made a debut test 100 for Australia against England for the invincible Aussie team led by late Sir Donald Bradman in 1948. It was my debut for Sri Lanka also in 1948 against the Aussies. Mercurial M. Sathasivam captained the Lankans. World class 'keeper Ben Navaratne, too played for this team.

Miller batted at No. 4, while I came in at No. 5. He was going like shell, on 30. I matched him with stroke to stroke and caught him up. It was a flourishing stand, which had the avid fans bewildered.

When both of us were in the 90s, he walked up to me (on 96), go ahead for the 100 before me, as the fans will be delighted - you getting it first. I reached it with a hook over mid-wicket for six. It was a rare gesture by him, indeed in any part of the cricketing world be it in the past or at present times it was not selfish cricket, but playing the game for all to enjoy. Keith followed up with a similar shot over the pickets to reach his 'ton'. The fourth wicket stand reached 230 runs with the English fielders tired and running for shelter.

We played before Independence (1948) spanning over 50 years. It was a Fun Game. It's in the Cricket Museum. There were no coaches like at present. It was on natural ability. M. Sathasivam was one of them. No covered pitches, no headgear or armbands etc. No restrictions of the bouncers. One has to connect the bat on the ball at the right moment and get in line. Even a village boy could do it. Spot the ball and put the bat on the correct position. During my time one has to work and play on a tight schedule even playing for the country. Even the wife and family have to find their own way to the ground. No extravagant cars, but public transport".

The general standard in my day and now
"Without doubt the general standard today is on a higher echelon now than during my day or earlier. It's not so much we have produced some super stars overnight. During my time there were five or six international class players. The others were good, but didn't measure to the standard. Today every one of our players is virtually on par. Of course population wise it has trebled unlike then. In its wake there is wider spectrum of talented players to draw attention.

The end result is we did put up a good show too often. But failed to maintain the winning culture. But today Sri Lankans are world champions. Speaking about the changes that have taken place in the game Ivers said "Whether it's good for the game I've doubts. It has changed from a pleasant pastime to a profession. Apparently it has become a national religion. The better exponents as and the deserving, too has been rewarded. The likes of Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Arjuna Ranatunga, Muralitharan, Roshan Mahanama, Kaluwitharane, Chaminda Vaas, Marvan Atapattu etc., for their performances. They have put them in the highest world rankings and brought fame to the country.

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