This is the start of my Test career and I have a long journey to go said Sri Lankan champion leg spinner Prabath Jayasuriya who was adjudged the Man of the Match in their victorious first Test against Ireland at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

I know this is just the sixth match of my Test career. I was able to take 43 Test wickets with an average of 21. 46 and was lucky to get my personal best figures of 7 for 52 in the Ireland Test which gave me a big boost said, Prabath, who ventured into cricket at Christ Church College, Matale then later moved to Lumbini College Colombo.

Slow left-arm orthodox bowler Jayasuriya is passionate about his craft while he earned his Test status last year as a 30-year-old bowler. Age is not a barrier for a bowler to earn National status and Prabath Jayasuriya is the best example. He came step by step. First he was attached to the Sri Lanka development side and later the ‘A’ side as a Colts CC player while he made his debut against Australia last July at the same venue.

“Galle is my happy hunting ground. The wicket most times favours the spinners and is a good advantage for us.” said Prabath Jayasuriya who presently plays for SSC.

As a bowler, we have to take on many challenges, especially during overseas tours most of the time we have to understand the pace and bounce on a wicket like in New Zealand.

I got a chance to play Tests at Christchurch and Wellington but only was able to pick up a handful of wickets (4) on that tour which allowed the pacemen to fit well. However, as a professional spinner, I have to bowl at all kinds of terrain and the New Zealand Test series being my first overseas tour was a good experience for me.

Prabath Jayasuriya has claimed his 5 times five-wicket hauls and two ten-wicket-hauls. He achieved this rare feat both times at Galle. I did my basics while always focusing to bowl on a good line and length and put pressure on the batsmen. This is my simple theory and it has worked for me in National and international matches added Prabath Jayasuriya.

During the days at Lumbini College, the experienced coach Dinesh Weerasinghe gave guidance to Prabath Jayasuriya.

During the domestic tournaments, he was able to prove his mettle by taking more wickets which paved the way to reach the Sri Lanka A team and play at National level. Prabath Jayasuriya can fill the vacancy of experienced leggie Rangana Herath. I learnt a lot from Rangana while my spin coach Piyal Wijethunga gave me good tips to improve my skills. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne always believes in my skills and appreciates my efforts said Prabath Jayasuriya.

I work hard during my training and we must know what kind of good things to apply in the game. My mindset always is to focus on my bowling. If I see a common mistake it has to be analyzed and corrected as soon as possible. That always helped me to come into my usual rhythm. If I have the necessary basics I can bowl on any pitch.

As a bowling unit, we have to support each other. Sometimes it’s upto the players to be versatile. One time I had to bowl more dot balls and maintain the pressure while other bowlers can get wickets. Each of our bowlers has a good understanding while our bowling coaches give us good guidance. As a bowling unit, we did a great job in this game and got successful results. Especially in the middle we always chat with other bowlers as well as our skipper and we discussed what type of methods must be applied but I intend to go match by match.After one match I have to be ready for my next game and I always seek advice from the coaches. I think we have a good set of bowlers and we reached new heights of success as a team.

Prabath Jayasuriya has taken 43 wickets and seven wickets away from the milestone of 50 Test wickets. He has to get another seven wickets at his seventh Test at Galle against Ireland and if he will do that he could be the fastest Sri Lankan bowler to get 50 Test wickets.