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THILAN SAMARAWEERA
Right-handed batsman; right-arm off-break bowler
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FACTFILE
DOB: 22.9.76
Test debut: v India, Colombo, 2001
ODI debut: v India, Sharjah 1998
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A cursory glance at Samaraweera's Test record suggests he could be one of the world's leading all-rounders.
The fact is that Samaraweera, first and formost a bowler, has generally been regarded by selectors as support for Muttiah Muralitharan.
Indeed, it is his surprisingly useful batting which has impressed the most - he scored a century on Test debut against India and has an average of 74 against a first-class average of 42.
His flat, arrow-like bowling style makes him more suitable to the demands of one-day cricket, where he first made his name in 1998.
Starred against England in 1999, but was exposed against Australia in the very next game and dropped for two years.