The Story of Mahela's Old Cap

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNqk6v33ppQ "I'm quite privileged and happy to be here and at the same time to play for Sri Lanka for a such a long time. Thoroughly enjoyed all those moments. I believe that given the fact that we don't have any home test Cricket for another twelve month, it's time for a new generation to take over and move on. I will try and help that rebuilding process", were Mahela Jayawardana's words when he took the podium following his final Test. His voice cracked on occasions.

During the press conference, Mahela was wearing a faded brown cap. Taking his memories back to hist test debut, Mahela said that it's the cap he got 15 years ago from then captain Arjuna Ranathunga druing his first Test cricket match. "I've stitched up this cap and managed to wear it for a long time. It's been with me for almost 15 years now. It will go in my trophy cabinet, right at the top."

Among the highlights of Jayawardene's Test career are his 19 century stands with close friend Kumar Sangakkara. In their last partnership, they made 107 to help set up a competitive target for Pakistan.

Sri Lanka had swept the series "for Mahela", fans had shown up in force, and the institutions that had helped make him - Nalanda College and SSC - were present in numbers to celebrate his final moments as a Test cricketer.

Sources: Crick Info, Sri Lanka Cricket Youtube page