5 Sri Lankan bowlers who had a great first-class career but didn't shine in Test cricket

Sri Lankan cricketer Ajantha Mendis (R) : News Photo
Mendis faded away after his mystery was unveiled

#4 Kumar Dharmasena

1st Test Match - Sri Lanka v England : News Photo
Dharmasena played 31 Tests for Sri Lanka

The 45-year-old was a useful all-rounder for the Sri Lankan team with his right-arm off break bowling and right-handed batting. But his prowess was mainly limited to the ODI format, having played 141 ODIs with a decent record in both departments of the game.

His Test career did not witness much success as he could play only 31 Tests and managed to pick 69 wickets, with a costly 42.31 runs per wicket. With the bat, he had just three half-centuries to his credit in 51 innings.

His first-class record is the exact opposite of his Test record as he picked an incredible 495 wickets in 155 games at a wonderful average of 20.77. He was also better with the bat having scored 6568 runs with nine centuries and 37 fifties at a handy average of 36.28.

Post retirement, he took up the role of an umpire and is currently one of the renowned umpires in the game and also a part of the ICC’s elite panel of umpires.

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Edited by Staff Editor