Anurudda “Anura” Polonowita’s – Selfless Contribution to Sri Lankan Cricket – A Perfect Gentleman Sri Lanka can be proud of! – By eLanka
A breif visit by Mr Polonowita to Sydney, Australia, we were fortunate to speak to Mr Polonowita. ….
What will you do to change Sri Lankan cricket’s spiaral downwards? “patience my son, patience!… build your innings, don’t try to hit every ball over the fence & don’t let the fileders & bowlers get to your head”! Simple statement but how very true??
Anurudda “Anura” Polonowita’s extraordinary career in cricket, spanning from his playing days to his extensive contributions as a cricket administrator and national curator, here are some of the highlights he shared with eLanka.:
Born on 23 July 1938 (age 85), Mr Polonowita’s cricket journey began during his school days at Ananda College, where he captained various teams including the Anada College first XI team. He went on to represent the Sri Lanka Schools Under 19 team in 1958 and made his debut for the country as an all-rounder in 1960 contributing with left-arm spin, useful late-order batting, and exemplary fielding in the ‘gully’ position. Having spent several seasons with Sinhalese Sports Club, he played a pivotal role in establishing Nomads Sports Club in the 1960s. Shortly thereafter, he led the team to secure the premiership at P Saravanamuttu.
He was part of the historic Ceylon team that toured India toured India in 1964 with the most significant aspect of this tour was Ceylon’s victory in the third unofficial Test, marking its first-ever win over a Test-playing nation. Before the India tour, Ceylon had already demonstrated its cricketing prowess by defeating Pakistan in Colombo adding to the team’s growing reputation. Mr Polonowita recalls all of the players of the tour rattling off all of the players who included Michael Tissera (captain), Neil Chanmugam, Ranjit Fernando, Stanley Jayasinghe & Lasantha Rodrigo! Against India in Ahmedabad, Polonowita had a stellar all-around performance. In Ceylon’s first innings, he top-scored with 53 runs, showcasing his batting abilities. He also played a crucial role in the field, taking three catches. With the ball, Polonowita was instrumental, taking 3 for 7 in India’s second innings. Significantly, he was at the wicket when Michael Tissera hit the winning runs, emphasizing his role in the team’s success.
Prior to the India tours, Polonowita played a part in Ceylon’s victory over a Pakistan team in the 1964–65 series in Colombo. In that match, he made a notable contribution by taking three wickets in the second innings, showcasing his skills as a bowler.
These unofficial Test matches and victories played a crucial role in the cricketing journey of Ceylon, setting the stage for its future success and eventual attainment of official Test status. The tour showcased the potential and competitiveness of Sri Lankan cricket on the international stage, laying the foundation for the cricketing achievements that would follow in the years to come he mentioned.
Polonowita coached his alma mater; Ananda College cricket team for 38 years, demonstrating his passion for nurturing young talent, and recalls producing over 25 national cricket players including great cricketing legends such as Arjuna Ranatunga, Marvan Atapattu & Thilan Samaraweera who Anada College today, can be proud.
Beyond his playing days, Polonowita served in various capacities at the Sri Lanka Cricket Board, demonstrating his capabilities as a prominent figure in the administration of the sport. Polonowita mastered the art of pitch preparation, visiting countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Pakistan. He served as the national curator from 1994 to 2000 on an honorary basis and took up the position officially from the year 2000.
Polonowita held various roles within Sri Lanka Cricket, including Chairman selectors, Chief curator, Chairman of various committees, Vice-president, National coach, and Team manager. He recalls preparing over 90 Test pitches, demonstrating his expertise and dedication to ground preparation. In the 1980s, President Premadasa recognized the importance of proper ground maintenance for the newly built Khettarama Cricket Stadium (later renamed Premadasa Stadium). To ensure its success, he sent promising young curator Anurudda Polonowita to Australia for a three-month intensive training program. As the chief national curator Polonowita prepared so many Test & ODI pitches with his special recollection of his expertise which contributed to Sri Lanka achieving significant milestones, such as the team’s highest Test score of 926 against India and the highest partnership between Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara against South Africa. He also recalls his contribution in the same capacity at the 1996 World Cup (which Sri Lanka won).
Anura Polonowita’s multifaceted contributions to cricket, encompassing playing, administration, and pitch preparation, making him a significant and influential figure in Sri Lankan cricket history.
You make us & your motherland, Sri Lanka proud Mr Polonowita! May you be blessed by the Triple Gem.
Ref: Old Anandians ( https://anandaoba.org/polonowita-calls-it-a-day-by-ranjan-anandappa/ )
Ref2: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anurudda_Polonowita
