Sri Lanka has always wowed the world with their cricket. Since the 1996 World Cup win, Sri Lanka has never been taken lightly by any cricketing nation. 23 years later, in February, Sri Lanka produced another miracle when Kusal Perera slammed one of the greatest knocks ever, 153 not out to stun South Africa in the first Test match in Durban.
A few months later, with only a game left in Sri Lanka’s journey in this year’s World Cup, which has been disappointing in terms of team performances, Perera has been their top run-scorer with 255 runs in 6 innings, including 3 fifties.
Despite averaging 42.50 and striking close 110 in the campaign, one could say he is due to deliver a big knock like he did in Durban. Perera is also mindful that if he’s to be successful in the long term, he needs to deliver consistently and stamp his authority as an opening batsman in ODIs. Before the start of the tournament, Perera had a 25+ career average, which has now reached 30+, thanks to the run in the past 8 games.
“I am not satisfied with my contributions. I scored three fifties but couldn’t make a big one. I got a start in all the games but couldn’t go on, “ Perera said ahead of the clash against India in Headingley. “If I get set, I want to make it count and unfortunately, I couldn’t make it count in this tournament.”
Read – Kusal Perera – Celebrated at Durban, Unsung at Cardiff
Perera, who started off as a right-handed batsman in his teens, switched to being a left-handed batsman purely due to his undying admiration towards Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya, the man who transformed limited-overs cricket in 1996.
The 28-year old resemblance Jayasuriya too, especially with the bat, with strong forearms, a hefty back-hand, the slightly open stance with the back leg more across than the front leg and throws his arms at the ball to cut and lift the ball on the up.
Comparisons in cricket are exciting and for Sri Lankans, Perera has already brought back memories of Jayasuriya. He has given those electrifying starts many times but Perera must produce more match-winning knocks than short, quick-blitzes if he is to emulate his idol.
Perera’s career has had plenty of ups and downs. He was a victim of real injustice when he was falsely suspended by the ICC in December 2015 for doping. However, five months later, his ban was lifted following a successful challenge by Perera’s lawyers.
However, he has also suffered a string of hamstring injuries since his debut in 2013, which threatened to derail his journey as an international cricketer. The more recent setback earlier this year almost ended his World Cup dream, but due to excellent rehab work, Perera managed to be fit in time for the 10-team mega event.
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According to the advice of the medical staff in Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Perera went back to wicket-keeping rather than fielding to avoid more hamstring strains.
“I started as a wicket-keeper. I had a few injuries and the selectors felt it’s better that I keep wickets since I picked up several injuries while running in the outfield. Keeping has been good. It helps my batting as well. Since I keep a closer eye on the ball, when batting it’s easier for me to pick the ball,” Perera added.
Due to his extra rehab sessions, Perera has the biggest workload in practices. He trains approximately 30 minutes in the nets with the side-arm thrower – which is used by all international teams now. He also faces the bowlers in the nets for around 20-30 minutes and then does an extensive keeping-drills session. After he’s done all that, he has to work with the team trainer and do rehab work.
“I have been hurt by hamstring injuries quite a lot. If I had done surgery before the World Cup, I would have been ruled out of the tournament. I have an extra rehab session apart from my usual training session. So, the load I have is bigger than that of other players. After the World Cup, I will decide what I should do regarding my hamstring injuries.” Perera said.
After batting at number three in the first game against New Zealand, Perera joined captain Dimuth Karunaratne at the top of the order for the remainder of the tournament. Since then, they have added 92, 115, 3, 2 and 93 for the first wicket. Sri Lanka’s recent ODI woes have been due to poor starts but they have finally managed to get a solid opening pair at the top.
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“Kusal [Perera] has been given the freedom to play his game. He can play his shots since he knows that I will play the anchor role from one end. He has that assurance and because of that, he plays freely. In case I get out, it gets difficult for him to play with freedom. So, what I look to do is to rotate the strike and let him take on the bowling.” Karunaratne said about Sri Lanka’s successful opening combination.
“We have a good understanding. I am not racing to catch up with his score. I have my limitations and I try to stick to that. Running between the wickets also we have a good understanding. We have played a lot of ‘A’ team cricket together and we understand each other well. “
Perera should be an automatic selection in all three formats for Sri Lanka because of his ability to win games on his own. He is determined to deliver plenty more ‘Durban-like innings’ consistently and mark his name in the annals of Sri Lankan Cricket. With an astute cricketing mind and unending talent running through his veins, Perera is the present-day Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka Cricket as they look to rebuild once again.
