Kumari Surangana, the mother of former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara was aware that his son is not the only batsman having missed the milestone for want of partners at the other end of the wicket. In the ongoing Test versus Pakistan at Galle on Saturday, the 35-year-old Sangakkara was stranded on 199 runs when he lost all his partners at the opposite end.
“Yes, I read somewhere that once the great Australian batsman, Don Bradman remained undefeated on 299 runs (against South Africa in 1931-32)”, she said over telephone from Colombo. “I am also aware about Andy Flower who also could not score 200 runs (he was unbeaten with 199 runs) because all his partners were out”. (Zimbabawe vs. South Africa, 2001)”.
“I am certainly disappointed and little sad also for Sanga, who was not able to complete his double century today. He lost his partner at that very last moment. Howqever, am happy for whatever contribution he could make for the team. He looked tired at the end. It is all part of the game and we can not do anything”, she further added. Salman, a muslim cricket-fan had wished Sanga, a “memorable 199” when the batsman was on a score of around 172.
“I would have loved to see his game to-day in Galle but with prior commitements, the parents could not watch him play”, the mother added.
“We have been avoiding going to the ground but always watch his game on TV”, she added.
The mother never forgets to thank Leonard De Alwis, the former principal of Trinity School and College in Kandy, whenever her son scores hundred. It was his school principal, Mr. Leonard De Alwis who advised mother to encourage the player to pursue career in cricket. “My son was also playing tennis but his principal insisted on him to adopt this game of cricket. Sangakkara’s father, Kshema (Swarnakumar) coached him in this game”, the mother signed off.
