Published: Jan 15, 2015, 09:09 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 15, 2015, 09:28 PM (IST)
Kumar Sangakkara has been the backbone of Sri Lankan cricket for more than a decade. With the bat, undoubtedly he is the island nation’s greatest batsman but his prowess isn’t limited to the willow. For years, he has been a dependable wicket-keeper and has displayed incredible pieces of athleticism.
In December 2014, in a One-Day International (ODI) against England, Sangakkara once again exhibited an incredibly smart move behind the stumps. Chasing a big total, England were in constant look-out for runs. Ravi Bopara had smacked Rangana Herath for a six and now attempted to play a paddle sweep this time. Sangakkara, brilliantly anticipated Bopara’s shot and moved left, the moment the English batsman played the ball. It seemed a good shot, but Sangakkara by then had almost moved to a close leg-slip position to come in the ball’s way. He completed the catch just at the edge of the playing strip.
The catch did remind everyone of Steve Smith’s catch to dismiss Fawad Alam in UAE, where the smart Australian cricketer made a similar move from first slip to leg-slip to execute a brilliant catch off the bowling of Xavier Doherty.
