By: Samantha Hewabandula
Milan Rathnayake 72 runs debut consisting of six boundaries two sixes made him Sri Lanka’s second highest run getter on day 1 of the first Sri Lanka vs England test series.
Sri Lanka top order crumbled under fierce English bowling attack on day one of the first Test in Manchester. However, amides the disappointments one of its debutants Milan Rathnayake emerged as the unexpected hero.
Coming in at number nine with Sri Lanka struggling to negotiate the Fast Bowlers and the Off spin of Bashir with 176/8 on the board in the Test match, Rathnayake’s challenges were many . Despite the less than -ideal conditions he delivered a stunning performance ,smashing a record breaking-knock of 72 runs. His brilliance took Sri Lanka to a respectable total of 236 runs by the end of day 1. Milan Rathnayake’s 72 runs broke the long standing record set by one of India’s 1983 World Cup stars Balwindar Sandu back in 1983. Balwinder scored his 71 coming in at number nine, 31 yrs ago on his debut against their arch – rivals Pakistan.
Milan Rathnayake has shown his class specially playing in tough English conditions and will certainly be identified as the new found Allrounder of the Sri Lankan Test side.
Milan is from Sri Sumangala college Wariyapola in Kurunagala and was 28 yrs when he got his 1st bake through. He has been with the Sri Lanka Test squad since 2022, which included the tour of New Zealand in 2023 and has taken the opportunity given with respect and delivered a cracking 72 at Old Trafford in England.
The thesundayreader.lk would like to wish Milan all the very best in all his future endeavors !
