Jayananda Warnaweera Test Debut vs Pakistan at Kandy 1986

Mr. Devotor

Jayananda Warnaweera—a name that may not echo as loudly as Muralitharan or Herath, but in the heart of Sri Lankan cricket, he holds a legacy that demands respect. This video dives deep into the life and career of this underrated off-spinner, who quietly built a reputation for consistency and accuracy.  Warnaweera made his international debut in 1986 against Pakistan and went on to play 10 Test matches and 6 ODIs until 1994. His most dominant year came in 1990, when he shocked the domestic circuit by taking 71 wickets in a single first-class season, averaging just 13.47! With match-winning spells like 13/147 and 7/16, he became the talk of the local cricket world.  Despite limited opportunities, he made the most of every Test match—including a brilliant 8-wicket haul against England in 1993 and finishing as top wicket-taker in the 1992 series against New Zealand. His work ethic and spin control were admired by teammates and captains alike.  After retirement, Warnaweera contributed to the game as the chief curator of the Galle International Stadium—until controversy struck when he was suspended by the ICC for non-cooperation with an anti-corruption investigation.  Explore the highs and lows, the talent and the tales, of a cricketer who remains one of the most underrated figures in Sri Lankan cricket history.  🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more untold cricketing stories!  #JayanandaWarnaweera #SriLankaCricket #GalleStadium #CricketHistory #SpinBowler #TestCricket #CricketLegends #UnsungHeroes #CricketFacts #CricketStats #SriLankaLegends #VintageCricket #DomesticCricket #CricketDocumentary  Jayananda Warnaweera Test Debut vs Pakistan at Kandy 1986

Transcript

00:00Jayananda Varnavira

00:02Cricketing journey is one that rarely makes headlines, but carries the weight of persistence,

00:08discipline, and silent brilliance.

00:09A right arm of spin baller, Varnavira represented Sri Lanka in 10 test matches and six one-day

00:16international between 1986 and 1994.

00:19His international debut came during the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka in 1986, where he played

00:25in the first test at Kandy.

00:27In a match dominated by visitors, Varnavira picked up his median and only wicket, dismissing

00:32the stylish Ramiz Raja and finishing with tidy figures of 1 for 26.

00:37Let's watch his test tapu performance.

00:57But Amal Silva, on his face, Romesh Ratnayaka sent in a return which bounced in front of

01:05Amal Silva, and Amal Silva going down to collect it, was hit on the face.

01:09Amal is obviously in, in a lot of pain, he's struggling, and Roy Dias here down at Midoan is screaming

01:20for a doctor, which obviously means that Amal Silva is badly hurt.

01:26Namah at short legs, short delivery hit between mid-wicket and Midoan, they'll pick two, they turn

01:39for the third as Varnavira doesn't pick it up clean.

01:45Three runs to Ramiz Raja, he's off the mark, and that brings up the 50 for Pakistan.

01:56And Ramiz Raja is a judge LBW, Varnavira picks up his first test wicket.

02:03Pakistan now 53 for 4, Ramiz Raja goes LBW to Varnavira for 3, Varnavira.

02:29The 1990 domestic season proved to be the Varnavira golden year, playing for Gale in the

02:58Lacsbury Trophy. He turned into a one-man demolition squad, topping the wicket charts

03:03with staggering 71 wickets. Thanks to that remarkable domestic form, Varnavira earned

03:09a recall to the test site later in 1990. On the Silicon Tour to India, he played the only

03:15test match of the series in Chandigarh, bowling with great discipline. He sent down a marathon

03:2046 hours, including seven medians, and ended up 3 for 90. A performance that underlined his ability to

03:27hold an end, and troubled best men only won unhelpful surfaces. However, inconsistency in

03:33selection saw him sidelined, once again after a quiet test against New Zealand in the same season,

03:40where he returned match figure of none for 89. He found redemption when New Zealand towards Sri Lanka

03:45in 1992. Playing both test matches, Varnavira was a key weapon in Sri Lankan bowling attack,

03:51claiming nine wickets at an average of 23.22, making him the highest wicket-taker of the series.

03:57His performances were marked by sustained accuracy and subtle variation, making him a dependable

04:03option for his captain. Then came England Tour in 1993, and Varnavira rose to the occasion once again.

04:10In the only test match of the series, he grabbed eight wickets and was instrumental in scripting one

04:16of the Sri Lankan's famous test victories at home. Later that year, during India Tour of Sri Lanka,

04:21Varnavira played in all three test matches. The first test was a washout, but he featured

04:27prominently in the remaining two, where he took six wickets for 248 runs. Though his bowling was

04:33expensive, he bowled long spells and kept chipping away. He also registered his highest test score,

04:38a gritty 20 runs, showing that he was not just there to roll his arm over. His final appearance in

04:44international cricket came in August 1994 against Pakistan, where he displayed his usual crit and

04:51finished with five wickets in the match and three in the first innings and two in the second, closing

04:56his career on a respectable note. After retiring from game, Varnavira staged close to the sports,

05:01serving as the chief curator of the iconic Gale International Cricket Stadium. Under his guidance,

05:08the venue maintained its reputation for spin-friendly pitches. In total, Jainanda Varnavira took 32 wickets,

05:14in test matches at an average of 31.90 and four wickets in one day at 45.75. Varnavira remains

05:22one of the most successful ballers in Sri Lankan domestic history, a name whispered with respect

05:28by those who know the heartbeat of Sri Lankan cricket beyond the international glamour.

05:33If you liked this video, please comment, share and subscribe.

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