Sri Lanka's Gritty Victory at The Oval

While Sri Lanka's legendary 1998 victory at The Oval is still fondly remembered, Sanath Jayasuriya believes the team’s triumph in the third Test of their 2024 tour came under far tougher conditions. As one of the key players in the 1998 win—where he scored a stunning 213 in the first innings and contributed with both bat and ball—Jayasuriya is in a unique position to compare the two victories.

Serving as interim coach for this tour, Jayasuriya praised Sri Lanka's fast bowlers for their outstanding performance. Unlike the dry, sunny conditions of 1998, this year’s match was played on a green-tinged pitch under cold, overcast skies. Jayasuriya recalled the 1998 win, saying that the conditions were much easier, and key players like Muttiah Muralitharan, Aravinda de Silva, and himself thrived. But he stated how much tougher the 2024 team had it, crediting the players for stepping up in challenging circumstances.

Sri Lanka’s pace quartet was instrumental in securing the victory, with Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, Vishwa Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara collectively taking 18 wickets. Their efforts were spread almost evenly across the bowlers, with Kumara picking up six wickets, Vishwa five, Rathnayake four, and Asitha three.

Jayasuriya noted it was the first time Sri Lanka had fielded four fast bowlers in a match, a strategy chosen to exploit the challenging conditions. He lauded their collective effort, particularly in the second innings, where they dismissed the opposition for just over 150 runs in under 35 overs. He highlighted Kumara’s aggressive attitude, stating that it was exactly what he had hoped for, and praised Asitha for his consistency throughout the series.

The series also saw young talents Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka shine with the bat. Nissanka played an attacking innings of 64 from 51 balls in the first innings and followed it up with an unbeaten 127 from 124 deliveries in the second, leading Sri Lanka's chase. Jayasuriya expressed delight at seeing Nissanka return to Test cricket after injuries, playing his natural game with confidence and helping his teammates do the same.

Kamindu Mendis, the team’s most consistent batter, impressed throughout the series, scoring 267 runs, including a century and two fifties, despite batting lower down the order at No. 7 and 8. Jayasuriya highlighted Mendis' calm approach under pressure, noting that he batted with the poise of an experienced player.

Milan Rathnayake, who debuted in the first Test, also emerged as a significant contributor. Rathnayake not only took 10 wickets in the series, but also made valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 72 and 43 in crucial lower-order innings. Jayasuriya remarked that while they knew Rathnayake was a good bowler, his batting abilities surprised many.

Reflecting on the series, Jayasuriya stated the importance of having a seam-bowling all-rounder like Rathnayake for the future. He praised Rathnayake’s growth over the series, especially after a stiff start in his debut Test, and predicted that his skills would be crucial for Sri Lanka moving forward.