A flag-bearer of Sri Lanka’s cricket since their World Cup win in 1996, Mahela Jayawardene has been a middle-order stalwart for his country along with Kumar Sangakkara. He is among the world’s highest run-getters in Tests and One-Day Internationals, and possesses the fourth highest individual score in a Test innings, with 374.But more than the numbers, Jayawardene is known for the grace with which he scored his runs. His batting repertoire had strokes all around the wicket, and in an age of forceful, industrial hitting, he was the epitome of style and fluidity even in his knocks of rapid acceleration. He was a sound captain, too, and led his team to a World Cup final.