SPORTING LEGENDS:

Peerless Sathasivam a genius with the bat

Premasara EPASINGHE

For today's 'sporting legends' I feature one of the most adventurous, exciting batting artists who displayed his born talents as colossus in the playing field of cricket. He was the star attraction during the years - 1940s - 1960s. He not only tormented local bowlers but

also internationally reputed bowlers from India, Pakistan, England and Australia.

To prove my point, I wish to mentioned a question from a famous Indian cricketers book, "All Beautiful Boys".

"I have bowled at Bradman, Hutton, Crompton, Miller, Harvey, Weekes, Worrel, Walcutt. Ask me a question, who the most difficult batsmen, I have ever bowled? I will mention a name. Of course you will not know his name. He is M. Sathasivam of Ceylon. He really thrashed me at Chennai." The above words were mentioned by Indian captain Gulam Ahamed, one of the best spinners that India produced.

Way back in 1950, I watched the majestic double century of Maestro M. Sathasivam at the NCC grounds as a schoolboy. Everyone of Sathasivam's 22 boundaries were a "Gems", warmly applauded by the big crowd present with "Oohs and Aahs". Sathasivam trade mark stroke was the scintillating "Late Cut".

I consider his batting as the best aesthetically disciplined display I have ever witnessed from a right hand batsman. In this match Sathasivam represented "Champion Side" against the "Rest". The cream of SL's super stars, were in action. His double century I consider was an innings for aficionados (a man who was particular interested in a sport or pastime).

Sathasivam, an old Wesleyite was a very smart cricketer. He wore cream flannels and cream coloured shirt. Like "Douglas Jardine of Bodyline Fame", Sathasivam used to wear a handkerchief round his neck and a "Harlequin Cap".

In 1958, when my Nalanda Cricket Coach Gerry Gooneratne was captaining the Saracens, I had an opportunity to play against the Tamil Union. I was keeping wickets. After the fall of two Tamil wickets Sathasivam walked into bat. My Nalanda Team mate, Mahinda Atulathmudali, brilliant off spinner, who later excelled not only in Sri Lanka but also in Canada, was operating. Gooneratne, Nalanda coach was a brilliant captain and a strategist. He knew the art of fixing Sathasivam. He got tall lanky off-spinner Atu, to bowl three deliveries outside off stump.

Sathasivam was at its brilliant best. Two balls of Atu's over, he despatched in style to the boundary with lightening late-cuts. Gerry Gooneratne was fielding at Deep Gully. Gerry applauded his friends majestic late-cut. "Nice shot Satha - Brilliant". The fifth delivery Satha met his waterloo. Satha's uppish lightning late-cut was held by Gerry Gooneratne, rolling to his left. Left hand bat Gerry Gooneratne was a contemporary of Sathasivam, was one of the Best Fielders that Sri Lanka produced.

In the good old days, the clash between SSC and Tamil Union was the "Local Cricket Derby". The cream of SL cricketers were representing the two teams. SSC possesses the most brilliant shrewdest captain Col. F. C. De Saram. "Pappa Saram" planned a "Coup" to dismiss Satha early. Some of the club members were requested to entertain "Satha" as their guest and the party the day before the match. It went on till morning hours. Satha slept in his vehicle for few hours. At 9.30 he had a shower. By 10.35, he went into bat. Just before lunch he scored a brilliant century. FC's coup failed miserably.

In 1982, I was one of the commentators for Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation. Incidentally this was the first-ever historic coverage from a foreign soil Chennai, India. It was former Nalandian, highly respected Civil Servant who was the chairman of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation late M. J. Perera who selected me as one of the commentators. The day before the Tests, Kumar Nanayakkara who was incharge of the technical crew, co-commentator Palitha Perera and I visited the Cheaupak stadium. There we met the curator of the ground S. Rangachari, the former famous Indian fast-bowler. When we introduced ourselves as Sri Lankans, he said "I will never forget Ceylon. Your Sathasivam scored a double century in this track. He was the best bat I have ever seen".

What a compliment -

I only hope that SLRC has preserved their first ever historic commentary from a foreign soil in their archives. Hope my friend, chairman Mohan Samaranayake will look into this matter.

West Indian Learie Constantine's commonwealth team visited Ceylon in 1950s. In a rain affected Oval wicket Sathasivam scored a brilliant 96. In 1945, against India he scored 107. In a Gopalan Trophy match played in 1950 Sathasivam scored a double century. This born cricketer was charged for murder of his wife and was in Remand-jail for many years. This was one of the most important "Trails" in Sri Lanka. After a lengthy legal battle, Sathasivam was acquitted.

After he was acquitted, he once again, played for Tamil Union in Division II. The talk went round the town that Satha will be in action against BRC that week-end. The match was played at BRC grounds. Thousands flocked to see their batting Idol, Sathasivam in action. After the fall of the 2nd wicket, Sathasivam walked in.

A young fast bowler was operating from the Colts grounds or Park Road end. Spectators gave a big ovation when he walked in to bat. The young fast bowler to show his "Might and arrogance", sent a "Bumper" to Satha.

Those days, there were no helmets - a protection gear. He quickly ducked. The young bowler's intention was very clear. He wanted to frightened the "Old man". He delivered two more bumpers.

Satha slowly walked upto the fast bowler and innocently said "Son, I am an old man like your father. Why do you bump at me." The young fast bowler, tails up bowled another bumper. The batting Maestro positioned himself were, hammered a mighty six which sailed over the huge mara tree and the ball felled at Havelocks Rugby ground.