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Sangakkara a star of the new order
The polished knocks played by Kumar Sangakkara in the three ODI’s for the World XI against Australia, further enhanced his image as one of the leading batsmen in the world. He survived the early pace blitz of Lee and McGrath and stood out during an innings which lasted 96 deliveries.

Whilst he carved out that innings, the giants of world batting succumbed – they all came and went. Virendra Sewag, Jacques Kallis, Brian Lara, Rahul Dravid, Kevin Pieterson failed to get double figures. That was a collection of batting gems, all of whom who failed to sparkle.

My first sighting of Kumar Sangakkara was in mid 1998 when I was coaching the Access Group team in the Mercantile ‘A’ division tournament. In the game against Sampath Bank, a young left hander stroked the ball to all parts of the Colts Cricket Club grounds and took the game away by getting a century. There, I reckoned this was a player for the future.

Within a couple of years he was in the national side. Now, having been around for over five years, he is undoubtedly the most improved Sri Lankan player during that period. He has improved in every area of the game.

To be blessed with having acquired the techniques of batting is a huge bonus. It then helps a batsman to develop with each experience. The adjustments become easier as the player climbs to the next level. Such was the case with Sangakkara.

With each step taken developing mental strength is as important as playing ability and talent. It is a different ball game, playing in the nets and succeeding in the middle on a big occasion. Then to do it consistently is even more demanding. At the highest level a players’ every action is traced by the opposition. With the technology available to dissect even the best is no problem. To stay on top of your game with no chinks developing is still a bigger task. That knock in the Telstrar dome in Melbourne – 64 well made runs underlined just that about Sangakkara.

His mental strength was fully on display during the second test match against the West Indies played a few months ago in Kandy. On his home Trinity College grounds, he and the team was under some pressure to notch up a big score. The “South Paw” grabbed the opportunity, playing with steely determination. During that innings, the pace, bounce, spin of the pitch was conquered. All the skills of the opposition bowlers were decimated. So too the enthusiasm and efforts of the entire team.

As Sangakkara was cementing his position in the side there arose a question mark on him being able to perform as a keeper and batsman in both forms of the game. Romesh Kaluwitharana was still much in the reckoning while young Prasanna Jayawardena was knocking on the door. The answer lay simply in one word – performance.

To handle both jobs it was necessary to attain peak physical fitness and maximize muscular strength. Realizing this, Sangakkara has worked tirelessly to be fit and strong and maintains the same. Today hardly anyone discusses the topic anymore.

In addition to the technical, mental, physical aspects of the game and the experience gained by playing, every individual must be constantly will to learn more and enhance knowledge. This is done by listening, watching and reading. In fact it means being a keen student of the game. There is no doubt Sangakkara is just that. All his actions and words portrays that he is a learned cricketer.

Now, approaching his twenty eighth birthday, Sangakkara is reaching the peak of his powers. He will no doubt continue to get better. We have witnessed his career rise from small beginnings, the rise will continue.

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