Xplorich
Mumbai: Prabath Jayasuriya is a rarity in modern-day cricket, especially in the subcontinent, where if you are aged 30 and above, you are not favoured to play international cricket. He waited in the shadows of Sri Lanka’s rich spin tradition. When his chance finally arrived in July 2022, the left-arm spinner grabbed it spectacularly, claiming 12 wickets on Test debut against Australia in Galle.Since then, Jayasuriya has carried Sri Lanka’s spin legacy with distinction, taking 132 wickets in 24 Tests. Ahead of the second Test against India at the SSC, the 34-year-old spoke to TOI about his journey, Sri Lanka’s chances of levelling the series, and why he believes India’s young left-arm spinner Manav Suthar can become one of the world’s best. Excerpts…Your 12-wicket haul on Test debut against Australia instantly put you in the spotlight. What do you remember most about that match?I had waited a long time for that opportunity. I made my debut after turning 30 and it was a dream start. It remains my favourite match in cricket. After that performance, I realised there was a bigger responsibility because I was representing Sri Lanka. Expectations increased and sometimes the team looks to you for something extra. That brings extra pressure.You took seven wickets in the first Test against India in Galle but Sri Lanka still lost. What went wrong?We knew the pitch would be good for batting early on. KL Rahul and Devdutt Padikkal used those conditions very well and built the foundation for India. We improved in the second innings but by then the game had gone away from us. India’s batters handled spin well.What lessons can Sri Lanka take into the second Test?India batted really well. As a bowling unit, we need to have clearer plans and also execute them better. If we can do that consistently, I believe we can get a better result in the second Test.Who are the toughest batters to bowl to in international cricket?Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Steve Smith.Do you still believe Sri Lanka can qualify for the World Test Championship final?As players, we have to believe. We have some challenging series coming up, including away tours of Pakistan and New Zealand and a home series against South Africa. The important thing is to stay focused on our processes.Both Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal are out…It’s a big loss. Both are experienced players and important members of the team. At the same time, it opens the door for younger players to step in and prove themselves.As a left-arm spinner, what did you make of Manav Suthar’s show?He has the potential to become one of the best bowlers in the world. He needs to stay committed to the process, work hard and make sacrifices. If he remains consistent, I believe he can achieve great things.What makes Galle such a special venue for spinners?The pitch generally starts turning after the first couple of days. Consistency is the key there. If you keep bowling the right line and length, you can be successful. That’s exactly what Manav did in the first Test.What are you looking to do differently at the SSC?The SSC is my home ground because I play my domestic cricket there. I understand the conditions well. The key is to adapt quickly and keep things simple.The Indian batters now know what to expect from you. Does that make your task harder?Every Test batter is a challenge. Devdutt Padikkal played extremely well in Galle and handled both spin and pace impressively. As the lead spinner in the team, I have a big responsibility. Against strong teams, we need detailed plans and extra effort.
