Ranjan Madugalle - Sri Lanka - Batsman

Ranjan Madugalle was renowned for his lazy elegance and for finding gaps with ease as a batsman. Intriguingly, Madugalle took part in all the first 18 Tests that Sri Lanka played.

Madugalle, along with 10 of his teammates, made his debut against England at Colombo (PSS) in 1981-82. He straightaway made an impact with a defiant fifty in the first innings. However, he had to wait till the series against New Zealand in 1984 to prove his worth. Up against an attack led by Richard Hadlee, he averaged a shade over 60.

The graceful top-order batsman also made his presence felt in the memorable Test series against India in 1985. In the first Test at Colombo (SSC), he compiled a stylish ton. It turned out to be the only century in his Test career. Madugalle also captained the side in two Tests, but they lost both of them.

Unfortunately, he didn't have a good time in ODIs. Madugalle ended his career with under 1,000 ODI runs and at an average of below 20. Since retiring from the game, Madugalle has been a much-respected figure in the world of cricket. He has served as a match referee in over 500 international games.

By Bharath Ramaraj