Team-wise best Test batter of the year 2021
These players were consistent with the willow throughout the year and would love to continue in the same vein going forward.
5. Sri Lanka – Dimuth Karunaratne
Luck didn’t favour Sri Lanka much in the red-ball format except the last three massive wins. However, the silver lining in this mediocre 2021 year was their opening batsman and skipper – Dimuth Karunaratne. The southpaw was at the top of his game and looked red hot throughout the year. His double century in Pallekele vs Bangladesh, set the tone for him to carry on with his crucial contributions further.
Scoring the maximum runs for Sri Lanka in Test cricket this year (902) at the top of the order, Karunaratne helped get the Lions off a steady start on many occasions. A stellar average of 69.38 in 2021 from 7 matches with 4 tons to his name was enough to make him Sri Lanka’s best Test player in the 2021 calendar year.
The thought of being so close to breaking the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya’s record of maximum runs as a Lankan opener will surely tempt the 33-year-old to continue his crucial contributions. He would love to carry this form next year and in the process, also improve Sri Lanka’s record in the format.
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