The most elegant batsman of his generation — 11,814 Test runs, a world record partnership of 624 alongside Sangakkara, and a legacy of grace that defined Sri Lankan batting.
Mahela Deshamanya Jayawardene was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka in 1977 and became one of the finest batsmen and captains in the history of Sri Lankan cricket. His Test record: 11,814 runs in 149 matches at 49.84 with 34 centuries — the most by any Sri Lankan along with Sangakkara until Sangakkara surpassed him. His ODI record: 12,650 runs in 448 matches at 33.37 with 19 centuries. He plays for Sinhalese SC and played county cricket for Kent. He captained Sri Lanka 48 times in Tests. His world-record partnership of 624 with Kumar Sangakkara against South Africa in Colombo in 2006 is the highest partnership in Test cricket history. His 374 in the same match is Sri Lanka's highest individual Test score. He took 205 catches in Tests — the most by a fielder in Sri Lankan cricket history. He was Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2008. He was named one of Wisden's Cricketers of the Decade for 2000–2010. He was a pioneer in T20 batting strategy, contributing to Sri Lanka's 2014 World Twenty20 victory. After retirement he became a highly influential batting and team coaching consultant across multiple franchises worldwide.
ICC Cricket World Cup 2014 T20 (Sri Lanka)
His partnership with Sangakkara of 624 runs against South Africa in 2006 is the highest partnership in Test cricket history.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- ICC Cricket World Cup 2014 T20 (Sri Lanka)
- ICC Champions Trophy 2002, 2014
- World Record Test partnership 624* (with Sangakkara, 2006)
- Wisden Cricketer of Year 2008
- ICC Test Team of Decade 2000–2010