Raised from the ashes: Marvelous Atapattu
The exquisite beaches, the green mountains and the roadside crickets are the hallmarks of the beautiful Sri Lankan island. Cricket is always part of the culture. However, it became the integral part of life, after they won the world cup in 1996. The country takes a pause during a cricket match. The victorious carnival is always a treat to watch in Sri Lanka. The brand of Sri Lankan cricket always gets admired globally. The country has produced exceptionally talented cricketers over the last several decades. This is the phoenix tale of one of the most stylish openers in the world – Marvan Samson Atapattu.
Pairs, Ducks, Failures and Turnaround:
Atapattu was not a gifted player but he worked very hard to improve his game. He was coached by P. W. Perera.
First Test:
Atapattu made his debut against India at Chandigarh in 1990. He scored a pair and immediately dropped from the team. He went to domestic cricket and scored tons of runs. His friends were very supportive and told him not to worry much, Graham Gooch also started his career with a duck.
Second Test:
Atapattu got called again after 21 months to represent Sri Lanka. He was very keen to prove himself. However, he scored a duck in the first innings and scored 1 run in the second innings. He got dropped again from the national team. He went back to club cricket and scored piles of runs and patiently waited for his next turn.
Third Test:
17 months later he was picked again to play for the national side. He was determined to do well and ready to give his hundred percent. Guess what? Atapattu didn’t manage to score any runs in both the innings. He was dropped from the national team for the third consecutive time.
The Dark Room:
It was a series of disappointing performances and everyone was pretty sure that he would not play for the national team again. After all, he just scored one run in his last six innings.It was also said that his techniques weren’t good enough for the highest level and he lacked big match temperament.
Atapattu put his head down and worked very hard. He believed in himself and it was the sheer love and passion for the game which drove him in the difficult stages of life. Atapattu kept on scoring big runs in club cricket. He ignored the criticism and concentrated on each game at a time.
Fourth Test and beyond:
Finally, the bell rang, and he got a chance to play for Sri Lanka after three years in 1997. This was his last chance to prove himself. He scored 25 and 22 against New Zealand in Dunedin. The numbers were not very impressive, but selectors had high hopes on him. Finally, it paid off. He scored 108 with 14 fours against India at Mohali in the same year and never looked back.
Embed from Getty ImagesPartnership with Jayasuriya:
Atapattu was not only the opening partner of Jayasuriya but a good friend too. They shared the room on many occasions. He knew Jayasuriya since school days. He enjoyed batting with Jayasuriya because all the bowlers focused on Jayasuriya’s wicket and he could play his game without being noticed.
Embed from Getty ImagesCaptaincy:
Atapattu was declared the captain of Sri Lankan Test team in early 2004. He introduced a unique practice where he requested the team to wear their first Test cap during the first session of a Test match. This was introduced to motivate the team and respect the priced place in the national side.
Retirement:
Atapattu was part of 2007 ICC ODI world cup but never played a game. He was about to miss the 2007-08 Australia tour as well. However, Atapattu got selected at the last moment after the intervention of Sri Lankan sports minister Gamini Lokuge. He played his last Test match at Hobart in November 2007 and packed his boots finally.
Atapattu will always be remembered for his resilient character and never say die attitude.