Ravi Ratnayeke
Learning the basics is essential
Q: Could you share a few memories from your early days as a Sri Lankan cricketer?
A: I was at Trinity College when I began playing first-class cricket for Nondescripts Cricket Club (NCC) and made the national side in a One-Day International (ODI) game against Kim Hughes’ Australian side, which was touring Sri Lanka in 1981.
We toured England soon after to play against the counties as part of the journey towards gaining Test match status. Sri Lanka achieved this later in 1981 and played its first official Test against England in Colombo in early 1982.
While I didn’t make that first Test team, I played in the first game for the Board X1 against England prior to that and took five wickets. I made my Test debut in Pakistan soon after.
Q: Your breakthrough performance against New Zealand at the Singhalese Sports Club (SSC) was memorable. Can you take us through that match and how it impacted your career?
A: I was beginning to develop as an international cricketer and understand my abilities. The game against New Zealand was a big confidence booster not only for me but the whole team.
Performing in Sri Lanka was important because many think it is a spinners’ paradise as wickets were prepared to suit them. If you know how to use the ball as a fast bowler in Sri Lanka, it’s one of the better places in the world to be a good seamer – the ball often moves around in humid conditions.
Q: Looking back at your cricketing career, are there specific moments or achievements that stand out as being the most memorable for you?
A: For me, the most memorable was our second Test match win over Pakistan at the Colombo Cricket Club (CCC) and my contribution of five wickets in the second innings.
This was followed by my 8 for 92 against Pakistan in Sialkot – the best bowling figures for Sri Lanka, which stood for a long time before Murali came around! – and contribution of 79 in a Test match against Australia in Hobart, as well as 92 against India in Kanpur when opening with Sidath Wettimuny.
Another personal highlight was being selected to be part of a Rest of World XI to tour England for the MCC Bicentenary celebrations.
Q: Since retiring from international cricket, have you continued to be involved in the game?
A: I moved to live in Australia at the end of 1990, which resulted in my retirement from international cricket.
But I continued playing club cricket in Melbourne in the domestic district and subdistrict competitions for another 10-12 years, and then set up a coaching school with Manjula Munasinghe, another former Sri Lanka cricketer.
I found coaching rather boring, and discovered that playing golf was a much better and enjoyable option. However, I remained involved with cricket coaching, occasionally helping aspiring first-class cricketers and juniors.
Any aspiring cricketer needs to realise that the game has evolved but the basics remain the same. One cannot score runs by not being at the crease or even take wickets without the ball in one’s hand. So without the basics, you cannot do either to contribute to your team.
CV IN A NUTSHELL
Ravi Ratnayeke is a former international cricketer who works for Amcor – an Australian owned global packaging business. He considers himself fortunate to be part of a passionate team that is driving to grow the business.
Apart from his work, Ratnayeke follows cricket closely. With exposure to the international game due to living in Melbourne, he has plenty to feast on.
He is also a passionate golfer but believes that nothing beats getting together with family and friends over wine, a yarn or two and a nice meal.
Ratnayeke is a wildlife enthusiast and looks forward to visiting Sri Lanka where he spends time in Wilpattu and Yala with his cousins, to spot leopard and bears, and enjoy Sri Lanka’s flora and fauna.
FACT FILE
FAMILY
Wife – Amodha
Sons – Achintha and Tannishka; eldest son Sathruka passed away in 2005
SCHOOLING
Trinity College
HIGHER EDUCATION
Master’s in Business Management (Monash University)
PRESENT OCCUPATION
Business Development and Export Manager – Amcor
COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE
Australia
CITY OF RESIDENCE
Melbourne