Sri Lanka’s first Test skipper Bandula Warnapura dies aged 68 after transient sickness

Sri Lanka Cricket mentioned Bandula Warnapura was a revered administrator who held the place of director of cricket operations on the nation’s governing physique and had served the Asian Cricket Council for a few years. Bandula Warnapura opened the batting for Sri Lanka (AFP Photo)HIGHLIGHTSBandula Warnapura represented Sri Lanka in 4 Tests and 12 one-day internationalsWarnapura scored 96 runs in Tests, 180 in ODIs and picked 8 wicketsWarnapura leaves behind his beloved spouse, daughter, two sons and grandchildrenBandula Warnapura, who captained Sri Lanka of their first ever Test match in opposition to England in 1982, has died on the age of 68, the nation’s cricket board (SLC) mentioned in an announcement.

SLC mentioned Warnapura was additionally a revered administrator who held the place of director of cricket operations on the nation’s governing physique and had served the Asian Cricket Council for a few years.”Sri Lanka Cricket is deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Bandula Warnapura, Sri Lanka’s first Test Captain. We wish to express our condolences to the family at this difficult time on behalf of Sri Lanka’s Cricketing fraternity.”Warnapura who led Sri Lanka to its first ever Test Match in opposition to England on the P. Saravanamuttu Stadium in 1982, was additionally a a lot revered Cricket Administrator having held the place of Director, Cricket Operations at SLC and likewise served the Asian Cricket Council for a few years.”He was also a much admired cricket commentator and shared his wealth of knowledge and experience on the sport on several television platforms.”Warnapura, an previous boy of Nalanda College opened batting for Sri Lanka and represented the nation in 4 Test matches and 12 One Day Internationals, apart from taking 8 wickets in ODI’s bowling medium tempo.”Bandula Warnapura who was 68 years old at the time of passing away, leaves behind his beloved wife, daughter, two sons and grandchildren,” the SLC assertion learn.Warnapura opened the batting for Sri Lanka and represented them in 4 Tests and 12 one-day internationals. He claimed eight wickets within the shorter format bowling medium tempo.”It was such a joy to chat to him on everything cricket. A good and gentle man. We will miss him. Our thoughts are with his loved ones,” former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara mentioned on Twitter.”It’s Sad to hear the news of SL first test captain Bandula Warnapura’s demise after a brief illness. Thoughts are with his wife and children.. He coached me at Nalanda and was a steady influence in my growth as a cricketer and a person. May you attain Nibbana Sir !!!” Ex-skipper Mahela Jayawardene tweeted.Click right here for IndiaToday.in’s full protection of the coronavirus pandemic.