Who is Milan Rathnayake, Sri Lanka debutant who broke 41-year-old Test record set by India¡¯s 1983 WC star?
In a remarkable debut, Sri Lanka¡¯s Milan Rathnayake etched his name in the history books by setting a new Test record for the highest score by a number 9 batter in men¡¯s red-ball cricket.?
Rathnayake¡¯s resilient 72 off 135 deliveries, laced with six boundaries and two sixes, surpassed the long-standing record of 71 set by India¡¯s Balwinder Sandhu against Pakistan in 1983. His valiant effort was eventually halted when he was dismissed by Shoaib Bashir, marking a significant milestone in his budding international career.
Milan Rathnayake becomes the test debutant with the top score at #9. He now also holds the 3rd highest score (all time) at #9 or lower for SL.
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Rathnayake walked to the crease with Sri Lanka reeling at 113/7 on the opening day of their Test match against England in Manchester. His crucial partnership with captain Dhananjaya de Silva, which added 63 invaluable runs, played a pivotal role in lifting Sri Lanka¡¯s total to 236 before the close of play.?
England responded strongly, finishing the day at 22/0, with openers Ben Duckett and Daniel Lawrence showing early intent. England¡¯s aggressive ¡®Bazball¡¯ approach hints at an exciting second day of play.
Who is Milan Rathnayake?
Milan Rathnayake, born in Kurunegala, has had a journey marked by perseverance and determination. Initially playing domestic cricket in Sri Lanka, Rathnayake moved to Australia to further his cricketing career before returning to Sri Lanka during the COVID-19 pandemic.?
His impressive performances in the 2023 domestic season, where he averaged 29 with the ball and registered a best of 4-50 in an innings, caught the selectors' attention.
With 39 first-class matches under his belt, Rathnayake has taken 79 wickets and boasts a highest score of 59. Known for his pace, he has been a consistent performer in domestic cricket, knocking on the doors of international selection for some time.?
In addition to his first-class achievements, Rathnayake has also played 45 List-A games, claiming 47 wickets, and 22 T20 matches with 24 wickets to his name.
Milan Rathnayake's 72-run knock: A milestone-filled debut
First Sri Lankan debutant to score 50 at No. 9 or below
Rathnayake displayed tremendous composure during his 72-run innings, taking 96 balls to reach his half-century. His knock, which included five fours and a six, made him the first Sri Lankan debutant to score a fifty while batting at No. 9 or lower in Test cricket. Remarkably, 165 players had represented Sri Lanka in Tests before Rathnayake received his maiden cap, making this achievement even more significant.
Before Rathnayake, Suresh Perera held the record for the highest score by a Sri Lankan debutant batting at No. 9 or below, with his unbeaten 43 against England at The Oval in 1998.
Rathnayake surpasses his personal best in first-class cricket
Interestingly, Rathnayake¡¯s 72-run effort at Old Trafford was his highest score in any form of professional cricket. Prior to this, his best was 59 in first-class matches. His ability to surpass this milestone on such a grand stage bodes well for his future, and Sri Lankan fans will be hopeful that he continues to break personal records.
Setting a new record for sixes by a Sri Lankan debutant
Rathnayake¡¯s innings was also notable for his two sixes. The first came off Shoaib Bashir, clearing long-on, and the second off Joe Root, sailing over wide long-off. These two maximums made him the first Sri Lankan debutant to hit two sixes while batting at No. 9 or lower in Test cricket. Previously, Suresh Perera had hit one six during his 43-run knock in 1998.
Breaking Darren Gough¡¯s 30-year-old record at Old Trafford
Rathnayake¡¯s 72 also broke a 30-year-old record held by Darren Gough, who had scored 65 while batting at No. 9 on debut for England against New Zealand at Old Trafford in 1994. Furthermore, Rathnayake¡¯s innings is now the highest aggregate by a debutant at Old Trafford, surpassing Paul Allott¡¯s 66 runs across two innings on debut against Australia in 1981.
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