Hewasandatchige Asiri Prasanna Wishvanath Jayawardene, popularly known as Prasanna Jayawardene, is a former Sri Lankan cricket player who was born on 9 October 1979 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Jayawardene is best known for his contribution as a wicket-keeper batsman in Test cricket.
Jayawardene’s cricket career began when he made his Test debut against Pakistan in June 2000. Unfortunately, he was confined to the dressing room during the entire match due to continuous rain interruptions. This setback, coupled with the arrival of the talented Kumar Sangakkara, sidelined Jayawardene for the following years.
Despite being placed on the sidelines, Jayawardene’s dedication and hard work allowed him to steadily improve his skills, especially in batting. With the Sri Lankan selectors concerned about the workload on Sangakkara, Jayawardene finally earned a recall to the Test squad for the tour of Zimbabwe in April 2004. However, it was during the tour of New Zealand in 2006-07 that Jayawardene cemented his place in the Test side as the first-choice wicket-keeper, allowing Sangakkara to focus solely on his batting skills.
Jayawardene’s batting performances vastly improved, and he scored his first-ever Test century against Bangladesh, showcasing his abilities with the bat. Although Sangakkara remained the preferred choice as the limited-overs cricket wicket-keeper, Jayawardene was given opportunities to compete for the spot when named in the Champions Trophy probables.
During his career, Jayawardene proved to be a dependable and skillful wicket-keeper behind the stumps. He displayed excellent technique, agility, and an ability to take tough catches. Jayawardene’s proficiency extended to his quick reflexes, which allowed him to effect dismissals effectively. His contribution as a wicket-keeper was crucial in the Sri Lankan team’s success on many occasions.
Jayawardene’s commitment and passion for the game made him a respected figure in Sri Lankan cricket. His ability to adapt under pressure and deliver consistent performances made him a valuable asset to the team. Jayawardene’s calm and composed demeanor on the field earned him praise from teammates and opponents alike.
Throughout his career, Jayawardene represented Sri Lanka in 58 Test matches, scoring 2,006 runs at an average of 24.90 and taking 107 catches along with 32 stumpings. Although he didn’t feature extensively in limited-overs cricket, Jayawardene’s contributions in the Test arena will always be remembered.
After retiring from international cricket, Jayawardene transitioned into coaching. He has shared his wisdom and experience with younger cricketers, aiming to develop the next generation of talented players in Sri Lanka.
Prasanna Jayawardene’s cricketing journey showcases the valuable contributions he made to Sri Lankan cricket as a wicket-keeper batsman. His determination, consistency, and skill set him apart, leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
