August 7, 2024

Ranjan Madugalle First Match Referee to Officiate 400 ODIs

Ranjan Madugalle has made history as the first match referee to oversee 400 ODIs. He achieved this milestone by officiating the third ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Khettarama.

Madugalle has been a match referee since 1993 and has also officiated over 200 Test matches, setting another record. He previously served as the ICC’s chief match referee before that position was removed. Simon Taufel, the former elite-panel umpire and ex-umpire performance and training manager for the International Cricket Council, praised Madugalle for this remarkable achievement.

“Ranjan’s longevity is remarkable,” Taufel said. “He was there at the beginning of my international umpiring career and the end. He has served Sri Lanka, the ICC and game of cricket with distinction and integrity. This milestone highlights his commitment and dedication to the sport he loves.”

Madugalle, in a statement put out by the ICC, said getting to this landmark was “dreamlike”. “It has been a great honour and privilege to have officiated in international cricket for so many years and it’s almost dreamlike to be reaching this milestone.

“I was pleased when I got the opportunity to be associated with the game after my time as a cricketer but never thought that it would stretch to over three decades!

“During this period, I have had the chance to officiate all over the world and in several World Cups, relishing every moment.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the ICC, Sri Lanka Cricket and my colleagues with whom I have worked over the years for their support and friendship, as well as my family and friends, without whose support it would not have been possible to have come this far.”

Before becoming a match referee, Madugalle played 21 Tests and 63 ODIs for Sri Lanka as a batter.

Sri Lanka Call Up Ratnayake, Tharaka for England Tests; Nissanka also Back

Sri Lanka has announced an 18-player squad for their upcoming three-match Test series against England, including uncapped right-arm seamer Milan Rathnayake and fast-bowling allrounder Nisala Tharaka. The squad also sees the return of Pathum Nissanka, who hasn’t played a Test since mid-2022. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who last played a Test in June 2022, has also been included after a standout performance in an ODI against India.

Tharaka, 33, is making his debut in the Test squad. He has played 107 first-class matches, taking 257 wickets and scoring 2,358 runs. His recent significant performance was for Sri Lanka A against Afghanistan A in May. Rathnayake, 28, has been in Sri Lanka’s Test squad before but hasn’t played yet. He has 79 first-class wickets and 633 runs to his name.

Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team with Kusal Mendis as vice-captain. The squad features a strong pace attack with Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Tharaka, and Rathnayake. Angelo Mathews, known for his occasional seam bowling success in England, is also included. The spin options are Vandersay, Ramesh Mendis, and Prabath Jayasuriya, with Ramesh and Jayasuriya having been key spinners recently.

Although many players are currently involved in the ODI series against India, six Test specialists have already traveled to England for training. The first Test begins on August 21 in Manchester, followed by the second Test at Lord’s on August 29, and the third Test at The Oval on September 6.

Sri Lanka Squad for Tests vs England

Dhananjaya De Silva (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vice-capt), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake