Alston Mahadevan Archives

Benedict Navaratne – the Prince of Wicket Keeprs – Zahira College & SSC – by Alston Mahadevan Source: Alston Mahadevan FB Ben Navaratne was the prince of wicket keepers. Benedict Navaratne (9 Jan 1915 – 9 June 1979) played for Zahira College before joining SSC. He made his international debut for Ceylon in 1940 when he was selected to tour India under the leadership of Sargo Jayawickrama. He made an unbeaten 23 on debut in the ‘unofficial’ Test match against India played at the Brabourne Stadium in Bombay from 31 December 1940. He was also selected to play against India in the three-day unofficial Test at the newly constructed Colombo Oval on 31 March, 1 and 2 April 1945. Navaratne like many young talented cricketers including Sathasivam and Bertie Wijesinha had very limited opportunities to play against Test playing nations for nearly 10 years due to the Second World ...

Sri Lanka’s journey to Test status – By Alston Mahadevan Sri Lanka’s journey to Test status EARLY PERIOD (upto 1957) EARLY PERIOD (upto 1957) – Covers the development during the early years including the regular visits by Australia and England and the first tours by the West Indies, Pakistan and India. Also looks at some of the outstanding Ceylonese cricketers including Dr C H Gunasekara, Sargo Jayawickreme, F C de Saram, M Sathasivam, by Alston Mahadevan Sri Lanka’s journey to Test status ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (1958 to 1965) Sri Lanka’s journey to Test status ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP (1958 to 1965) – Most of the important matches played during the late 1950s and the early 1960s are covered. The first unofficial Test win against Pakistan in 1964 and the first overseas Test win against India in 1965 under the leadership of Michael Tissera are also covered in detail. Sri Lanka’s journey to Test ...