Roy Dias - Sri Lanka - Batsman

Roy Dias was gifted with a generous portion of timing and grace. He could bisect through the minutest of gaps by placing the ball with needlepoint precision. Even now Dias is remembered fondly for the way he stood up to a high quality Pakistani attack like a lonesome atlas in 1981-82.

Back in 1981-82, when Sri Lanka played their first Test against England at Colombo (PSS), Dias was expected to shine brightly. It has to be remembered that he was by then already counted as one of their best batsmen. In fact, in the 1979 World Cup, Dias had given a glimpse of his ability with a graceful fifty against India at Old Trafford which in turn helped the minnow nation to pull of an upset.

So, it didn't come as a surprise that Dias compiled a fifty on a track that was assisting the spinners in the second innings against England. Unfortunately, after he got out, the hosts collapse in a heap and England emerged victorious.

Dias continued to amass tons of runs by standing alone amidst the ruins in Pakistan. By the end of 1983, he was even averaging over 50. In 1984, he played with a touch of calm countenance to negate the threat of Richard Hadlee and compose a ton at Colombo (SSC). It was his splendid century that took the hosts to a nerve-wracking draw. In Sri Lanka's historic first ever Test win in 1985, Dias again came to the fore with twin fifties as they registered a fine win against India. The century in the final Test of the same series in Kandy guided Sri Lanka to safety after they had found themselves in a spot of bother.

However, after that series, Dias lost his way and his last international appearance was in the 1987 World Cup. Since retiring from the game, Dias has made a name for himself in the coaching arena.

By Bharath Ramaraj