Congrats Mahela

[Xuhaib]

First Sri Lankan to score 8000 runs in tests, not their best ever batsman but still a modern day great

 

[The Sean]

Well played that man - a big honour for him, and well deserved.

 

[Something_Fishy]

Congratulations.
Maybe 10,000 is in sight? Good luck.

Still am sorry to see him go as captain.

 

[Evermind]

First Sri Lankan to score 8000 runs in tests, not their best ever batsman but still a modern day great

I would say among their top 5 batsmen certainly.

 

[Xuhaib]

I would say among their top 5 batsmen certainly.

Top 3 imo.

 

[Evermind]

Top 3 imo.

Who would you say is ahead of him? I'd only rate Sangakkara as being a better batsman. De Silva was great, but not quite as good.

 

[Xuhaib]

Who would you say is ahead of him? I'd only rate Sangakkara as being a better batsman. De Silva was great, but not quite as good.

Yeah Sanga is better the case of De Silva is debatable maybe someone like Chaminda or Richard can put some light on it.

 

[Richard]

There's no way on Earth Mahela was or is better than Aravinda IMO, however many runs he compiles in the subcontinent. Make no mistake, Mahela is a terrific player and far from hopeless outside the subcontinent but he's enjoyed luxuries which Aravinda did only to a much lesser extent and though he's cashed-in far more effectively in some areas than Aravinda ever did (possibly ever cared to), he's still, in my book, achieved less.

Sangakkara, though, whenever he retires will surely beyond question go down as Sri Lanka's finest.

 

[Lostman]

Sangakkara, though, whenever he retires will surely beyond question go down as Sri Lanka's finest.

He already is in imo. That Rudified* innings in Australia last year sealed it for me.

 

[Richard]

I'm always happiest, these days, to keep those who've retired and those still playing still with plenty of years ahead of them separate.

Sangakkara should currently be in the prime of his career, and the next 2-3 years should hopefully see the best of him. What exactly he goes down as still very much remains to be seen, even if some things are established beyond reasonable doubt.

 

[grant28]

Great player, great captain, shame he's putting a stop to the captaincy.

Not the greatest Sri Lankan batsmen ever? It'd be darn close between him and Aravinda, too close to call IMO, they're equal in my book. Sangakkara's and Jayasuriya's names should be up there aswell.

 

[IndGunner]

great player, good enough captain, nicely done

 

[Jono]

There's no way on Earth Mahela was or is better than Aravinda IMO, however many runs he compiles in the subcontinent. Make no mistake, Mahela is a terrific player and far from hopeless outside the subcontinent but he's enjoyed luxuries which Aravinda did only to a much lesser extent and though he's cashed-in far more effectively in some areas than Aravinda ever did (possibly ever cared to), he's still, in my book, achieved less.

Sangakkara, though, whenever he retires will surely beyond question go down as Sri Lanka's finest.

Playing devil's advocate, Aravinda's away record isn't better than Mahela's (even discounting Bang and Zim).

 

[Nishan]

good to watch in full flow Mahela is. I still remeber like yesterday him striding out to bat with the score at 700 in that debut test of his.

 

[Ikki]

Kumar > Mahela >> Aravinda

As good as Aravinda was against us (Australia) he wasn't as effective elsewhere. His battler persona buys him points but he simply isn't in the same class as the others IMO.

 

[Richard]

Playing devil's advocate, Aravinda's away record isn't better than Mahela's (even discounting Bang and Zim).

It's not just about overall career figures.

 

[_Ed_]

Still am sorry to see him go as captain.

Yeah, a big loss for SL.