Marvan Atapattu: Sri Lanka's Tenacious Opening Batter
Marvan Atapattu overcame a catastrophic start to his Test career — six consecutive single-figure scores — to become one of Sri Lanka's finest opening batters, scoring 5,502 Test runs with 16 centuries.
Marvan Atapattu's cricket story is one of remarkable resilience. Born in Kalutara in 1970, Atapattu's Test career began with one of cricket's most inauspicious starts — he scored 0, 0, 1, 1, 0 and 0 in his first three Tests (six innings) spread across 1990-94, seemingly destined for permanent exclusion. Yet he returned in 1997 and transformed himself into one of Sri Lanka's most reliable openers, ultimately scoring 5,502 Test runs from 90 Tests at an average of 39.02, with 16 centuries and 17 fifties. He captained Sri Lanka in 18 Tests, winning 8.
Career Resurrection and Success
Atapattu's resurrection after his horrific start stands as one of cricket's great mental achievements. He returned to the Test side in 1997 and never looked back — scoring a double century against Zimbabwe, then centuries against India, South Africa and Australia. His technique was based on patience and a tight defensive game that allowed him to build large scores once set. He scored six double centuries in his Test career — a remarkable return that placed him among the most prolific double-century scorers in Test history.
Six Double Centuries
Atapattu's six Test double centuries (223 vs Zimbabwe, 207* vs Pakistan, 201* vs Bangladesh, 249 vs Zimbabwe, 207 vs New Zealand, 213* vs South Africa) place him third on the all-time list behind Don Bradman (12) and Brian Lara (9). His ability to translate half-centuries into very large scores was a defining feature of his batting. After retiring from international cricket in 2007, he moved into coaching and cricket administration, serving as Sri Lanka's batting coach.
Frequently asked questions
How many double centuries did Marvan Atapattu score?
Atapattu scored six Test double centuries — the third-most in Test history behind Bradman (12) and Lara (9). His highest score was 249 against Zimbabwe in 2003.
What was unusual about Atapattu's Test career start?
Atapattu scored 0, 0, 1, 1, 0 and 0 in his first three Tests — six consecutive single-figure scores. He was dropped and did not return for several years, but came back to become one of Sri Lanka's finest opening batters.
Did Marvan Atapattu captain Sri Lanka?
Yes. Atapattu captained Sri Lanka in 18 Tests, winning 8. He was captain during the mid-2000s period and also served as batting coach after retirement.