Prasanna Jayawardene      

Full name Hewasandatchige Asiri Prasanna Wishvanath Jayawardene

Born October 9, 1979, Colombo

Current age 30 years 32 days

Major teams Sri Lanka, Basnahira South, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Colombo Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Sebastianites Cricket and Athletic Club, Sinhalese Sports Club

Batting style Right-hand bat

Fielding position Wicketkeeper

Prasanna Jayawardene looked set for a long career after touring England as a 19-year-old in 1998, but had been marginalised since the rocket-fuelled arrival of Kumar Sangakkara in 2000. Waiting on the sidelines, in fact, had already been a feature of Jayawardene's career. He made his Test debut against Pakistan at Kandy in June 2000, but was confined to the dressing-room throughout, as Sri Lanka batted over the first three days before rain washed out play on the last two. The resurgence of Romesh Kaluwitharana threatened to push Jayawardene further down the pecking order, but his batting has steadily improved in the intervening years, and with the Sri Lankan selectors voicing their concerns about overburdening Sangakkara, Jayawardene was recalled to the Test squad for the tour of Zimbabwe in April 2004. However, it wasn't until the tour of New Zealand in 2006-07 when he established himself in the Test side, allowing Sangakkara to play as a specialist batsman. Jayawardene started making better contributions with the bat, scoring his maiden century, against Bangladesh. Though Sangakkara remains the first choice keeper in limited overs cricket, Jayawardene was given a chance to reclaim his spot when named in the Champions Trophy probables.

Played three years for St. Sebastians College
Plays Division I Cricket for N.C.C.

Nov 9, 2009

Prasanna Jayawardene discusses a point with Kaushal Silva

© AFP

Aug 28, 2009

Brendon McCullum watches as Prasanna Jayawardene and Chamara Kapugedera appeal

© Associated Press

Aug 17, 2009

Prasanna Jayawardene focuses on the ball

© AFP

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