The Top 5 Biggest Branches of Shift for Sri Lanka in Test Cricket
Test cricket is often referred to as the pinnacle of the sport, and for Sri Lanka, it has been a format that has brought them significant success over the years. The island nation has produced some of the greatest players in the history of the game, and their biggest shifts in the format have been instrumental in shaping their cricketing journey. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 biggest branches of shift for Sri Lanka in test cricket.
5. From obscurity to the top tier: The 1980s and 1990s
In the early days of Sri Lankan cricket, the team struggled to make a mark on the international stage. However, the 1980s and 1990s saw a significant shift in their fortunes. Players like Arjuna Ranatunga, Roshan Mahanama, and Aravinda de Silva led the team to new heights, and they became a force to be reckoned with in test cricket. This period saw Sri Lanka become a top-tier team, capable of competing with the best in the world.
4. The emergence of Muttiah Muralitharan: 1992-2008
Muttiah Muralitharan is widely regarded as one of the greatest bowlers in the history of the game. His incredible success in test cricket, with a record 800 wickets, has had a lasting impact on Sri Lankan cricket. His ability to spin the ball both ways and his unorthodox action made him a nightmare for batsmen. His presence in the team significantly improved Sri Lanka’s chances of winning, and his influence can still be felt in the modern game.
3. The golden era: 2001-2009
The early 2000s saw Sri Lanka experience a golden era in test cricket. Players like Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, and Kumar Sangakkara led the team to several victories, including a famous win over Australia in 2004. This period saw Sri Lanka become a dominant force in the format, and they rose to the number one ranking in the ICC Test Championship.
2. The resurgence under Angelo Mathews: 2012-2015
After a few years of struggling to make an impact in test cricket, Sri Lanka underwent a significant shift under the leadership of Angelo Mathews. The team rediscovered their winning formula, and victories over top-tier teams like South Africa and India became more frequent. Mathews’ leadership and the emergence of players like Rangana Herath and Nuwan Pradeep helped the team to a number of memorable wins.
1. The present era: 2017-present
The present era of Sri Lankan test cricket has seen a significant shift in their approach to the format. Under the leadership of Dimuth Karunaratne, the team has adopted a more aggressive and innovative approach, which has led to some thrilling victories. Players like Lahiru Kumara, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal have been instrumental in this resurgence, and the team has shown significant improvement in recent years.
In conclusion, the top 5 biggest branches of shift for Sri Lanka in test cricket have been instrumental in shaping their cricketing journey. From their early days as an unknown quantity to their current status as a top-tier team, Sri Lanka has experienced significant growth and improvement in the format. As they look to the future, it will be interesting to see how they continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of international cricket.
