Former Sri Lankan pacer Suranga Lakmal is celebrating his 37th birthday today. He was one of the most durable fast bowlers that Sri Lanka ever had in Test cricket. His ability to bowl long spells in Tests with the required precision and discipline made him one of the regular starters for his team in the longest format of the game.
Suranga Lakmal made his international debut in 2009 in a One-Day game against India. Almost a year later he was also included in the Test squad. The fast-bowler got his maiden call-up for the Test squad in 2010 when he was selected for a home Test series against West Indies. In the second match of that Test series, he made his debut in Test cricket. The team management had faith in the youngster and he was also given an opportunity to represent the country in T20I cricket. Against England, in 2011, he played his first T20I for Sri Lanka.
Only second to Chaminda Vaas
Suranga Lakmal became a more regular bowler for Sri Lanka in Test cricket as his career progressed. He played 70 Test matches for his country and picked up 171 wickets at an average of 36.44. In terms of wickets taken by fast bowlers for Sri Lanka in Test cricket, he is only second to Chaminda Vaas who is an undisputed legend for the island nation. Vaas had 335 wickets to his name.
Lakmal also played a decent number of white-ball games in his international career. In ODI cricket, he represented Sri Lanka 86 times. The 37-year-old had 109 wickets to his name in the 50-over format. Whereas, in T20I cricket his stint was short-lived as he played only 11 games in the shortest format taking 8 wickets in those matches. The experienced fast-bowler played his last international match in 2022 against India in Bengaluru before hanging up his boots.