England and Sri Lanka will mark one of cricket's most poignant moments when they meet at the previously tsunami-ravaged Galle International Stadium from tomorrow.
The stadium, situated close to the Indian Ocean in the country's coastal south, was destroyed by the Asian tsunami in 2004, which killed an estimated 300,000 people in a dozen countries.
Some 31,000 people in Sri Lanka alone died in the disaster.
It was rebuilt from scratch with a US$500,000 funding package from Sri Lanka Cricket and, nearly three years to the day since it was decimated, is ready to host a Test match again.
When Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse inaugurates the new stadium on the eve of the match today with both teams in attendance, one man in particular will struggle to hide his emotions.
Former Sri Lanka Test spinner Jayananda Warnaweera, the stadium's long-time manager, still finds it hard to believe that his ambition to bring cricket back to Galle has been realized.
"I can't tell you how I feel to be able to return this beautiful ground to Test cricket," Warnaweera, who played 10 Tests between 1986 and 1994 said
"I had promised myself that Test cricket will be played here again and I have lived up to that vow. It's a very emotional and exciting time for me," he said.
Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene said he was delighted to return to one of his favorite venues, which lies at the foot of the historic 17th century Galle Fort, a UNESCO world heritage site.
"It is one of my favorite venues. It's definitely going to be an emotional time for most of our guys. Lots of them in the team are from this part of the country," he said.
At least four Sri Lankan cricketers were personally affected by the catastrophe.
Sanath Jayasuriya's mother was saved by clinging to the branches of a tree, three relatives of fast bowler Dilhara Fernando drowned when their train to Galle was submerged, leg-spinner Upul Chandana's mother was rescued by a young man and Upul Tharanga's home was destroyed.
Record-breaking bowler Muttiah Muralitharan raised funds and distributed aid to the survivors as an ambassador for the UN World Food Program.
The star, who surpassed retired Australian Shane Warne's world record tally of 708 wickets in the first Test in Kandy, also persuaded his spin rival to visit Galle and raise funds.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely