Rumesh Joseph Ratnayake, widely known as Rumesh Ratnayake, is a former cricketer from Sri Lanka who left an indelible mark on the international cricket scene. Born on November 7, 1961, in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Ratnayake was a talented fast bowler with the ability to generate pace and bounce, making him a formidable opponent for any batsman.
Ratnayake made his debut for the Sri Lankan cricket team at the tender age of 19, displaying his exceptional skills and earning accolades for his whippy action. With his talent for swinging the new ball at a lively pace, Ratnayake quickly established himself as a consistent performer during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Although plagued by injuries throughout his career, Ratnayake showed determination to return to the Test cricket arena. However, despite his efforts, he was never quite the same bowler as he was in his younger days. Nevertheless, he remained a fine test bowler and one of the better pace bowlers produced by Sri Lanka.
Not only was Ratnayake a remarkable bowler, but he also showcased his skills as a handy hitter in the lower order. He played some crucial innings with the bat, proving himself to be a valuable asset to the team.
Ratnayake made an immediate impression in his debut match against New Zealand at Christchurch, providing the batsmen with some uncomfortable moments. His prowess with the new ball shone through during the 1985/86 series against India, where he bowled superbly and captured 20 wickets at an average of 22. In a test match at SSC, he displayed sustained pace and stamina, taking an impressive 6/85 from 41 overs. He was also instrumental in Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory in the second test, contributing with 9 wickets in the match alongside Ashantha de Mel and Saliya Ahangama.
Throughout his career, Ratnayake confronted numerous injuries that hindered his effectiveness on the field. However, on his best days, he remained a quality pace bowler. During the 1990/91 tour of Australia, Ratnayake produced an outstanding display of swing bowling in his only test at Hobart, taking an impressive 6/66. At Lord’s, he once again showcased his skills, capturing 5/69 and causing the English batsmen immeasurable trouble. Additionally, he played a crucial role with the bat, rescuing the team with a bright half-century.
Unfortunately, Ratnayake’s performances often suffered due to lackluster batting from the Sri Lankan team, as they failed to capitalize on the advantage he helped achieve. Injuries limited his effectiveness during the series in Pakistan, which eventually proved to be his final test series.
Rumesh Ratnayake’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket cannot be overlooked. Despite his career being plagued by injuries, he displayed exceptional skill and determination, earning him a reputation as a talented and reliable pace bowler. Today, he is remembered as one of the finest cricketers to have emerged from Sri Lanka and his legacy continues to inspire budding cricketers around the world.
