When Mahela Jayawardene was breaking Australian legend Donald Bradman’s record of nine centuries at a venue, his club coach Avishka Gunawardene was in a meeting and could not see his former colleague and current protege rewrite the mark at the SSC on Tuesday.
Mahela thrashed 174 off 244 balls with 20 boundaries and one six, guiding Sri Lanka to a mammoth first innings total of 642 for 4 and providing them the edge over India on Day 2 of the second Test.
Gunawardene, the former Sri Lanka opener known for his attacking style, said he was very happy with Mahela’s feat.
“Unfortunately I missed Mahela’s record breaking feat. I am very happy because he did it on his home ground,” he told DNA over the phone.
“SSC is like a home to Mahela and he knows it at the back of his hand. He knows how the ball will come and how much will be the bounce. He has scored many runs in club and domestic matches over here. Hence one should not be amazed as he has broken the record at the SSC,” he added.
What sets Mahela apart?
“He is a very talented batsman. But he keeps his game simple. That’s what makes him the best. I have seen him grow, I have played alongside him, coached him. His basics are very strong. He is one of the best batsmen in Sri Lanka and could go up to even greater heights,” said the former left-handed batsman.
Gunawardene also said Mahela plays the spinners very well. “He plays them very well. His feet movement is quick, he can play front and back easily. That’s why spinners are at a loss against him,” he said.
