However all and sundry was surprised by Milan Rathnayake’s Test debut at Old Trafford. What marked him out for special attention was his composed batting at a time when the Lankan side needed him badly. And furthermore; the 72 amassed by Rathnayake broke an existing record by as many again after 41 years. It was a number of outstanding innings and his included the highest by any player who debuted batting at No. 9. The match was played in between Sri Lanka and England in Manchester where a strong English team was expected to face the Lankan team. However Rathnayakes innings made sure that his side was never out of the contest in the match.
Rathnayake Breaks a 41-Year-Old Record
Sri Lanka was in soup at the score of 113/7. But in the course of the game, Rathnayake arrived at see a number nine when it was important. He also managed to be cool and collected at the time that pressure was on. For this reason, his 72 runs that came from 135 balls beat a long-standing record of the team. Before that, India’s Balwinder Sandhu scored 71 runs to stand tallest in this category of records. Sandhu attained this in 1983 in Pakistan. Further, Rathnayake came up with a wonderful innings going beyond this figure. He now has the record of the highest scoring No. 9 on debut in Test cricket.
Rathnayake’s Impact on Sri Lanka’s Innings
Rathnayake had the backing of Dhammika de Silva, the skipper of the side. He and pooran contributed 63 runs for the eighth wicket. Besides, rescuing the team by coming at the later part of the game and amassing 74 runs were certainly important for De Silva. Through their cooperation Sri Lanka was able to remain relevant. Also, Rathnayake was calm, and De Silva had the experience in performing such a task. They set Sri Lankan team to a competitive total. But England bowling failed to end this determination of New Zealand players at this stage.
Rathnayake and Dhananjaya de Silva’s Partnership
Rathnayake was well backed by the skipper Dhananjaya de Silva. Together, they rated 63 for the eighth wicket. More so, De Silva’s valuable contribution of 74 runs was vital in the team’s recovery. It facilitated Sri Lanka to maintain its competitiveness and continued functioning due to their cooperation. Furthermore, Rathnayake was calm and De Silva has lots of experience which worked in synergy for the team. They set Sri Lanka on course to a competitive one. Nevertheless, England’s bowlers were unable to breach it during this period.
England’s Bowlers Dominate Early but Face Resistance
The English bowlers particularly set Sri Lanka’s top order under pressure early on the match. Chris Woakes was the pick of the bowlers for England and took 3 wickets for 32 runs. Gus Atkinson supported him well with 2/48 at the same time. Thus, playing with nerves, Sri Lanka lost wickets in the beginning of such a phase. But Rathnayake and De Silva showed a great deal of determination against English pace bowlers. They ensured Sri Lanka did stage a come back and did not collaps completely. England’s bowlers failed to get into a position to break the eighth-wicket partnership.
Rathnayake’s Calm Under Pressure
Rathnayake looked very composed during the course of his innings and did not get upset easily. Furthermore, he had grown up so much that during his first competitive encounter, he did not embarrass himself. Lot of thoughts could be read into the selection of the shots by Rathnayake. Therefore, he waited for ball that were chucked loosely and took his vengeance on them. His approach let him compose his innings in his own fashion. Also, Rathnayake for one did not allow the England bowling attack to get under his skin. This was evident in his match-winning fifty, where he scored a quick firing 72 on a tense indic.
Rathnayake’s Contribution to Sri Lanka’s Competitive Total
Rathnayake was the one who put the sword to Lanka’s bowling to make sure that the team posted a par score. He contributed useful runs to the total on the board. Nevertheless, Rathnayake’s innings was a major addition to the Sri Lanka total of 236 runs. Without his knock, Sri Lanka wouldn’t have been able to post this sort of total. But he delivered well in the final to keep SL in the game. In addition, survival instinct of Rathnayake provided Sri Lanka with a realistic aspiration to defeat England.
Rathnayake’s Record-Breaking Knock Brings Hope to Sri Lanka
Rathnayake’s innings became one of the outstanding records helping the Sri Lankan team to find a ray of light. This performance simply showed how much he could be useful in the future. In addition, this innings of Rathnayake was useful for the team morale as well. Everybody was amazed by the fact that he is able to perform the best when the crowd is on him. Therefore, Rathnayake will set up an example for any Sri Lankan cricketer in future. The dawn of his Test cricket brought out the best in him. Much hope for Sri Lanka’s future in the team has been seen after Rathnayake’s addition.
England’s Openers Start Strong in Response
Right at the beginning of the response, England’s openers were up and going. They had made 22 runs without loss when the stumps were drawn at the end of the first day. Not only that, but England’s openers did seem to be in a very good state of mind going into the crease as well. But Sri Lanka’s bowlers are going to have to strive to get a wicket or two. Besides, England has not stopped having a potent and rich roster of batsmen. Rathnayake has ensured that Sri Lanka gets a comeback and a fighting total but the fight remains open.
The Impact of Rathnayake’s Knock on the Series
This knock is important for the series and Rathnayake deserves to be congratulated for that. This will set the tone to further performance in Sri Lanka in the days to come. Also, Rathnayake’s innings has made Sri Lanka remain relevant in the first Test. It is an open series now and I believe both teams have all to chase. But Rathnayake’s innings will definitely act as a booster for the Sri Lankan squad in the subsequent matches. England on the other hand will be on guard of his capability.
Rathnayake’s Future Looks Bright After Stunning Debut
The future has again seemed so bright for Milan Rathnayake after the later debut. He has been able to keep his cool and play wonderful cricket and this has been well acknowledged by the cricket fraternity. Also, Rathnayake has a significant advantage in doing well under pressure. That great record-breaking knock has established him as the next big thing in cricket. In the future Sri Lankan cricket will gain by his talents. Moreover, a tasted of Rathnayake primary stage indicates a better acting career in the coming years.
Rathnayake’s Place in Test Cricket History
It all in all means that Rathnayake’s debut innings has provided an eternal seat for him in the Test cricket. His 72 will remain in the memory for years I am sure. In addition, Rathnayake became a record maker in these respects and recorded his name in the books and records section. His knock even over took legends such as Balwinder Sandhu and Darren Gough. Besides, Rathnayake etched his name in history books due to the magnificent performance in his introductory match. It is therefore for this reason that Sri Lankan fans will continue rejoicing his achievement for several years to come.
Rathnayake’s Knock Marks the Beginning of an Exciting Career
Rathnayake’s first innings could be looked forward to as the start of a great career. By his dancing, I can see that he has the potential of being a great dancer in future. In addition, I found that Rathnayake has exceptional pressure, which is one more advantage he has. Certainly, there was a lot of shade of a talent purple that his first innings painted. All in all, Sri Lanka will be a much better team with Rathnayake in it. Besides, his career is still in the process of its development, and the future seems very bright for the young all-rounder.
Conclusion:
It was not any small feat that Milan Rathnayake made his Test debut in Manchester. His knock of composed and record breaking nature helped Sri Lankan to come back into the series and be a competitive force again. Also, Rathnayake’s innings of 72 established a new record for the highest individual score by a ninth-wicket batsman in test cricket since 1971. What I saw of him was ‘talented, persistent, and strong under pressure’ as he performed on stage. Looking into the rest of the series Sri Lanka will have to improve from this display and Rathnayake would be vital for this improvement.
FAQs
1. Who held the previous record for the highest score by a No.9 debutant in Test cricket?
Previous record, held by Balwinder Sandhu of India was 71 runs.
2. What score did Milan Rathnayake achieve on his Test debut?
It was the Test cricket debut of Milan Rathnayake who made 72 runs at the number nine batsman position.
3. Who did Rathnayake and De Silva form a partnership against?
Rathnayake and Dhananjaya de Silva batted together against England.
4. How many wickets did Chris Woakes take during the match?
Chris Woakes bowled very well and got 3 wickets in his four overs with the economy of 32.
5. What was Sri Lanka’s final score on day one of the Test match?
On the first day of the Test match Sri Lanka accumulated a total of 236 runs.
