Patience, dedication was the key to Herath’s success

Considered as one of the greatest spin bowlers of all time, Herath is the most successful left arm bowler with 433 wickets in Test cricket history.

He also represented English County Hampshire.

“From a small age, I’ve seen my elder brother playing cricket. I always wanted to grow up and play cricket to be like my brother and that’s where I found inspiration. That was the beginning and that made me eventually enter the field of cricket.”

“My family and my wife, all my coaches and my employer Sampath Bank, which took care of my financial side from the beginning of my career till to-date. I’ve worked for them for the past 18 years. So they are the ones who have always supported me the most.”

“Throughout my entire life my family has been everything and in return my first priority will always be spending time with my family and two sons.”

“Obviously playing cricket is my most passionate thing that comes next and enjoying life in whatever simple way I could, is something I always enjoy doing. I love this game and got lots of respect through this game.”

“There have been many challenges that I had to face along the way. The passing away of my father, mother and my elder sister is the saddest occasion I had to face and it will always be in my memory.”

“The day I played my first Test match against Australia and also being a member when we won the World T20 in 2014 will remain right throughout my life as one of the most unforgettable incidents to-date.”

“My greatest accomplishment in life was when I became the first left-arm spinner in the history of Test cricket to take 400 Test wickets and it was a great honour.”

“Honestly I don’t compare myself to anyone, since I have a style of my own but I like Aravinda ‘aiya’ (De Silva) as he is one of my all-time favourites.”

“I would like to describe myself as a person who always has patience and dedication in life.”