In the realm of cricket, where fast bowlers and hard-hitting batsmen often dominate the limelight, Rangana Herath’s journey stands as a testament to the enduring allure and artistry of spin bowling. Born on March 19, 1978, in the rustic charm of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, Herath emerged as one of the finest left-arm spinners, etching his name in the annals of cricket history. This article delves into the life and career of Rangana Herath, exploring his humble beginnings, his rise to cricketing stardom, and his enduring legacy in a sport that is akin to a religion in Sri Lanka.
Rangana Herath Batting Career Stats
Format | M | Inn | NO | Runs | HS | Avg | BF | SR | 100 | 200 | 50 | 4s | 6s |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 93 | 144 | 27 | 1699 | 80 | 14.52 | 3405 | 49.9 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 201 | 6 |
ODI | 71 | 30 | 15 | 140 | 17 | 9.33 | 217 | 64.52 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 |
T20I | 17 | 6 | 3 | 8 | 3 | 2.67 | 12 | 66.67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Bowling Career Stats
Format | M | Inn | B | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Econ | Avg | SR | 5W | 10W |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Test | 93 | 170 | 25992 | 12159 | 433 | 9/127 | 14/184 | 2.81 | 28.08 | 60.03 | 34 | 9 |
ODI | 71 | 67 | 3242 | 2362 | 74 | 4/20 | 4/20 | 4.37 | 31.92 | 43.81 | 0 | 0 |
T20I | 17 | 17 | 365 | 373 | 18 | 5/3 | 5/3 | 6.13 | 20.72 | 20.28 | 1 | 0 |
Career Information
Test debut vs Australia at Galle International Stadium, Sep 22, 1999
Last Test vs England at Galle International Stadium, Nov 06, 2018
ODI debut vs Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club, Apr 25, 2004
Last ODI vs England at Sky Stadium, Mar 01, 2015
T20 debut vs Australia at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Aug 06, 2011
Last T20 vs South Africa at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Mar 28, 2016
Biography
Rangana Herath, a distinguished Sri Lankan cricketer renowned for his exceptional left-arm spin bowling, was born on March 19, 1978, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. Growing up in a country where cricket is deeply ingrained in the culture, Herath developed a passion for the sport from a young age. His early years were marked by the typical experiences of a young cricket enthusiast in Sri Lanka, where impromptu cricket matches in streets and fields are a common sight. This environment nurtured his budding talent and love for the game. Herath’s journey in cricket started in earnest at Maliyadeva College, Kurunegala, where he received his primary and secondary education. This school is known for its emphasis on sports, particularly cricket, which played a crucial role in Herath’s early development as a cricketer.
During his school years, Herath’s potential as a spin bowler became increasingly evident. He was actively involved in the school cricket team, where he honed his skills and began to make a name for himself. His performances at school level cricket were notable, showcasing his natural talent and deep understanding of the game. This period was crucial in laying the foundation for his future career. It was also during this time that he received formal training and guidance in cricket, which helped refine his technique and approach to the game. Herath’s education was not solely focused on cricket, however; he balanced his sporting pursuits with academic studies, demonstrating a strong commitment to both areas of his life. This balance of sports and academics during his formative years played a significant role in shaping him as a well-rounded individual and a professional cricketer.
Cricket Career from First Debut to Notable Achievements
Rangana Herath’s international career, spanning over two decades, is marked by significant achievements and milestones that highlight his exceptional talent as a left-arm spinner.
Early Career Highlights:
-
Test Debut (1999): Herath debuted at Galle International Stadium against Australia.
-
ODI Debut (2004): His One Day International debut was against Zimbabwe at Harare Sports Club.
-
Post-Muralitharan Era: Became Sri Lanka’s leading spinner after Muttiah Muralitharan’s retirement, receiving high praise from Mahela Jayawardene.
-
Notable Performances: Impressive comeback in 2009 against Pakistan, taking 15 wickets in the series, and strong performances against New Zealand and the West Indies.
Memorable Moments:
-
2014 World Twenty20: Recorded a spell of 5–3 against New Zealand, contributing significantly to Sri Lanka’s tournament victory. This performance was later named the Wisden Men’s T20I spell of the decade in 2019.
-
Record-Breaking Feats: Achieved the best figures for a left-arm bowler in Test cricket against Pakistan, and surpassed Wasim Akram’s wicket tally to become the highest wicket-taking left-arm bowler in Tests.
-
Captaincy: Led the Sri Lankan Test team during Angelo Mathews’s injury, becoming the oldest player to captain a Test team for the first time since 1983.
Notable Series and Matches:
-
Against Australia (2016): Played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s victory, including a Test hat-trick, becoming the second Sri Lankan and first left-arm spinner to achieve this feat.
-
Against Pakistan (2017): Took his ninth ten-wicket haul and became the first bowler to take 100 Test wickets against Pakistan.
Late Career Achievements:
-
Against India (2015): Delivered a match-winning performance with 7 wickets for 48 runs.
-
Against Bangladesh (2017): Became the most successful left-arm spinner in Test cricket history, surpassing Daniel Vettori.
-
Final Years: Continued to break records, surpassing Chaminda Vaas as the second-highest wicket-taker for Sri Lanka and hinting at retirement post the England tour of Sri Lanka.
Throughout his career, Herath demonstrated remarkable skill and consistency, earning respect and admiration from teammates and opponents alike. His journey from a secondary role behind Muralitharan to becoming a leading figure in Sri Lankan cricket is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport.
Rangana Herath Retirement
In July 2018, Rangana Herath indicated his intention to retire from international cricket following the England series in November. On October 22, he officially announced his retirement from Test cricket, marking the end of an era as he was the last active Test cricketer who had debuted in the 20th century.
Herath’s final Test appearance was at his beloved Galle International Stadium on November 6, 2018. In this match, he scored 14 and 5 runs in the first and second innings, respectively. Despite Sri Lanka’s loss by 221 runs, Herath achieved a significant milestone by claiming the wicket of England’s Joe Root. This wicket was his 100th at the Galle International Stadium, making Herath the first left-arm bowler, the third bowler overall, and only the second Sri Lankan to take 100 Test wickets at a single venue. In his final innings, he added two more wickets to his tally, culminating his 19-year-long illustrious career.
The match and the ground were filled with tributes to Herath, acknowledging his legendary status in the cricket world with messages like “Good Bye Legend Herath” and “Thank You Herath.” By the time of his retirement, Herath ranked as the eighth highest wicket-taker in Test cricket history.
In recognition of his remarkable career, Herath was nominated for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Decade award in November 2020, a fitting tribute to his outstanding contributions to the sport of cricket.
Bowling Speed and Style
Rangana Herath’s bowling style was a classic example of left-arm orthodox spin, a craft he mastered over his illustrious career. His approach to bowling was characterized by a focus on accuracy, subtle variations in speed and flight, and an exceptional ability to read the batsman’s intentions. Unlike many modern spinners who rely heavily on turn and bounce, Herath’s primary weapon was his guile and intelligence.
Herath’s bowling speed typically ranged between 45 to 55 mph (72 to 88 km/h), which is considered standard for a classical spinner of his type. What made Herath stand out was not raw speed or excessive spin, but his consistent line and length, coupled with an acute understanding of the game’s tactical nuances. His ability to deliver the ball with subtle variations in pace and flight made him a formidable opponent for even the best of batsmen.
One of Herath’s key strengths was his ability to maintain control and build pressure over prolonged periods. He often bowled extended spells where he would meticulously work out a batsman, exploiting even the smallest of weaknesses. This methodical approach often led to batsmen making mistakes out of frustration or miscalculation.
In addition to his orthodox left-arm spin, Herath occasionally used the arm ball, which skidded on with the arm rather than turning away from the right-handed batsman. This variation, though subtle, was highly effective and often caught batsmen off guard, leading to crucial wickets.
Herath’s effectiveness was amplified by his ability to bowl in different conditions and adapt his style accordingly. In turning pitches, he could extract more spin and bounce, making him almost unplayable at times. In less favorable conditions, his accuracy and persistence allowed him to remain a threat.
Overall, Rangana Herath’s bowling style was a blend of traditional spin bowling virtues - accuracy, patience, and intelligence - combined with his unique ability to read the game, making him one of the most respected and successful spinners in modern cricket.
Personal Life - Marital Status
Rangana Herath, born on March 19, 1978, in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, has led a life intertwined with cricket. He attended Mayurapada Central College in Narammala for his early education and later went to Maliyadeva College for higher studies. Herath’s brother, Deepthi Herath, also played a significant role in his life.
Before his ascent in cricket, Herath worked as a clerk at Sampath Bank in Sri Lanka. He is married to Senani Herath, and the couple is blessed with two sons. Herath’s personal life is marked by a strong commitment to his family and his cricketing career.
Conclusion
As the sun sets on the illustrious career of Rangana Herath, it leaves behind a legacy rich with inspiration, achievement, and a profound impact on the world of cricket. Herath’s journey from a small town in Sri Lanka to becoming one of the most formidable left-arm spinners in the history of Test cricket is a tale of perseverance, skill, and an unyielding passion for the game. His career spanned over two decades, during which he not only filled the void left by the legendary Muttiah Muralitharan but also carved out his own unique place in the annals of cricket.
Herath’s contributions to Sri Lankan cricket extend beyond his impressive statistics and records. He symbolized the resilience and fighting spirit of a nation that adores cricket, inspiring countless young cricketers to pursue the art of spin bowling. Off the field, his humility and gentlemanly conduct earned him respect and admiration from teammates, opponents, and fans alike.
Rangana Herath’s retirement marks the end of an era for Sri Lankan cricket. Yet, his legacy will continue to live on, serving as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. In the grand tapestry of cricket’s history, Herath will always be remembered not just for his remarkable skill and achievements but also for the grace and dignity with which he played the game. His story, from a humble beginning to cricketing greatness, is a shining example of how talent, hard work, and dedication can lead to extraordinary heights.