https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Thilan_SamaraweeraThilan Samaraweera - Revision history2026-11-01T00:39:31ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Thilan_Samaraweera&diff=560906&oldid=prevRefugiaLoveless: started article2026-08-15T16:49:58Z<p>started article</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Sri Lankan cricketer (born 1976)}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}<br />
{{Infobox cricketer<br />
| name = Thilan Samaraweera (ලෑලි සමරේ)<br />
| image =<br />
| country = Sri Lanka<br />
| full_name = Thilan Thusara Samaraweera<br />
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1976|9|21|df=yes}}<br />
| birth_place = [[Colombo]], Sri Lanka<br />
| heightft = 5<br />
| heightinch = 9<br />
| batting = Right-handed<br />
| bowling = Right-arm [[off break]]<br />
| role = [[Batsman]]<br />
| family = [[Dulip Samaraweera]] (brother)<br />
| international = true<br />
| internationalspan = 1998–2013<br />
| testdebutdate = 29 August<br />
| testdebutyear = 2001<br />
| testdebutagainst = India<br />
| testcap = 86<br />
| lasttestdate = 3 January<br />
| lasttestyear = 2013<br />
| lasttestagainst = Australia<br />
| odidebutdate = 6 November<br />
| odidebutyear = 1998<br />
| odidebutagainst = India<br />
| odicap = 97<br />
| lastodidate = 2 April<br />
| lastodiyear = 2011<br />
| lastodiagainst = India<br />
| odishirt = <br />
| club1 = [[Colts Cricket Club]]<br />
| year1 = 1996–1998<br />
| club2 = [[Sinhalese Sports Club]]<br />
| year2 = 1998–2013 <br />
| club3 = [[Kandurata cricket team|Kandurata]]<br />
| year3 = 2008–2010<br />
| club4 = [[Wayamba cricket team|Wayamba]]<br />
| year4 = 2011<br />
| club5 = [[Kandurata Warriors]]<br />
| year5 = 2012<br />
| club6 = [[Worcestershire County Cricket Club|Worcestershire]]<br />
| year6 = 2013 <br />
| clubnumber6 = 3<br />
| columns = 4<br />
| column1 = [[Test cricket|Test]]<br />
| matches1 = 81<br />
| runs1 = 5,462<br />
| bat avg1 = 48.76<br />
| 100s/50s1 = 14/30<br />
| top score1 = 231<br />
| deliveries1 = 1,327<br />
| wickets1 = 15<br />
| bowl avg1 = 45.93<br />
| fivefor1 = 0<br />
| tenfor1 = 0<br />
| best bowling1 = 4/49<br />
| catches/stumpings1 = 45/–<br />
| column2 = [[One Day International|ODI]]<br />
| matches2 = 53<br />
| runs2 = 862<br />
| bat avg2 = 27.80<br />
| 100s/50s2 = 2/0<br />
| top score2 = 105*<br />
| deliveries2 = 702<br />
| wickets2 = 11<br />
| bowl avg2 = 49.27<br />
| fivefor2 = 0<br />
| tenfor2 = 0<br />
| best bowling2 = 3/34<br />
| catches/stumpings2 = 17/–<br />
| column3 = [[First-class cricket|FC]]<br />
| matches3 = 271<br />
| runs3 = 15,501<br />
| bat avg3 = 48.59<br />
| 100s/50s3 = 43/76<br />
| top score3 = 231<br />
| deliveries3 = 17,961<br />
| wickets3 = 357<br />
| bowl avg3 = 23.43<br />
| fivefor3 = 15<br />
| tenfor3 = 2<br />
| best bowling3 = 6/55<br />
| catches/stumpings3 = 202/–<br />
| column4 = [[List A cricket|LA]]<br />
| matches4 = 195<br />
| runs4 = 3,568<br />
| bat avg4 = 32.73<br />
| 100s/50s4 = 2/19<br />
| top score4 = 105*<br />
| deliveries4 = 4,769<br />
| wickets4 = 110<br />
| bowl avg4 = 28.89<br />
| fivefor4 = 2<br />
| tenfor4 = 0<br />
| best bowling4 = 7/30<br />
| catches/stumpings4 = 66/–<br />
| medaltemplates = <!--MENTION HOST NATIONS FOR TEAM SPORTS--><br />
{{MedalSport|Men's [[Cricket]]}}<br />
{{MedalCountry|{{SRI}}}}<br />
{{MedalCompetition|[[ICC Cricket World Cup]]}}<br />
{{Medal|RU|[[2011 Cricket World Cup|2011 India–Bangladesh–Sri Lanka]]|}}<br />
| date = 18 August<br />
| year = 2014<br />
| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/50424.html ESPNcricinfo<br />
}}<br />
'''Thilan Thusara Samaraweera''' ({{langx|si|තිලාන් සමරවීර}}; born 22 September 1976) is a former Sri Lankan international [[cricket]]er. Samaraweera played international cricket for Sri Lanka. Known as Sri Lanka's crisis man and for his slow strike rate,<ref>{{Cite web|author=Bharath Ramaraj|date=2013-03-09|title=Thilan Samaraweera: Sri Lankan cricket loses a pillar of strength|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/thilan-samaraweera-sri-lankan-cricket-loses-a-pillar-of-strength-23835|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Cricket Country|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka's man for a crisis|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-s-man-for-a-crisis-623824|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He is also nicknamed “Bullet Samaraweera" following his wounding during the 2009 terror attack on his national team bus in Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Rodrigopulle|first=Elmo|title='Bullet' Samaraweera – like no other|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/09/29/features/129678/%E2%80%98bullet%E2%80%99-samaraweera-no-other|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Daily News|language=en}}</ref> He retired after over 80 matches with a [[batting average]] over 48 in Test cricket. He was a part of the Sri Lankan squad which finished as [[2011 Cricket World Cup final|runners-up]] at the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]].<br />
<br />
==Personal life==<br />
<br />
Thilan Samaraweera born in Colombo and had his education at [[Ananda College]], Colombo. He is married to Erandathie Samaraweera and has two daughters: Osuni and Sidhya. His brother, [[Dulip Samaraweera]], also played Test cricket, appearing in seven Tests from 1993 to 1995. His brother-in-law [[Bathiya Perera]] has represented [[Sri Lanka A cricket team|Sri Lanka A]].<br />
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== Early career ==<br />
Thilan played school cricket for Ananda College and emerged as a prolific batsman in inter-school competitions. He initially was a frontline spinner at school level. He spearheaded the bowling attack of Ananda capturing 72 wickets in 1984 and 64 wickets in 1985 season. He amassed 1000 runs in 1994 and 1995 seasons. He won the [[Sri Lankan Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year]] in 1994 and 1995.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Observer-SLT Mobitel School Cricket Awards 2020 – Sunday Observer Special Supplement|url=https://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/supplement/SchoolCricketer-2020|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Sunday Observer|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-04-23|title=Thilan Samaraweera – The Winner of 1994-95|url=https://archives1.sundayobserver.lk/2021/04/25/supplement/thilan-samaraweera-winner-1994-95|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Sunday Observer|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
== Domestic career ==<br />
He was [[2012 Sri Lanka Premier League draft|drafted]] to the [[Kandurata Warriors]] side ahead of the inaugural edition of the [[Sri Lanka Premier League]] in [[2012 Sri Lanka Premier League|2012]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera, Tanvir star in Kandurata win|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-premier-league-2012-564280/kandurata-warriors-vs-uthura-rudras-571361/match-report|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He signed with [[Worcestershire County Cricket Club]] for the [[2013 County Championship]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera signs with Worcestershire|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-signs-with-worcestershire-604843|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==International career==<br />
<br />
Samaraweera managed a handful of ODI games in 1998 but did not play Test cricket until August 2001. He made his ODI debut against India on 6 November 1998 but he was not given the opportunity to bat in the middle order on his ODI debut as he was listed as no 10 batsman.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs India 1st Match 1998/99 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/coca-cola-champions-trophy-1998-99-61035/india-vs-sri-lanka-1st-match-65880/full-scorecard|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> In his next 2 ODI appearances, he batted at no 8 and in his fourth ODI match he batted as a tailender at no 11 position.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-09-22|title=Thilan Samaraweera: 15 facts about the crisis man of Sri Lankan cricket|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/thilan-samaraweera-15-facts-about-the-crisis-man-of-sri-lankan-cricket-526956|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Cricket Country|language=en-US}}</ref><br />
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Having worked on his batting considerably with his shadow coach [[Chandika Hathurusingha]] he got due reward by scoring century on debut against a strong Indian side helping [[Sri Lanka]] to win the series 2–1.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sundersingh|first=Jonathan|date=2018-09-06|title=A dream debut for Thilan Samaraweera|url=https://www.thepapare.com/a-dream-debut-for-thilan-samaraweera/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=ThePapare.com|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Hathurusingha effect|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/the-hathurusingha-effect-428246|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He continued to star with the bat by scoring another two centuries in his next five Tests, all on his home ground, the SSC in [[Colombo]]. This stunning start to international cricket cemented his spot in the middle order, a spot which had holes to fill with the retirements of [[Aravinda de Silva]] and [[Hashan Tillakaratne]]. He emerged as a frontline batsman in international arena at a time when many Sri Lankan batsmen were nearing the end of their prime. However, he was in and out of Sri Lankan limited overs team as he made a comeback return to the ODI side in 2005 after two years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera recalled after three years|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-recalled-after-three-years-216917|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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His off-spin has been rarely called upon by his captain but when he comes on he has earned a reputation as a partnership breaker. After a poor Test series in [[England cricket team|England]] in which he failed to reach double figures in any of his four innings, he was dropped from the side. He was made captain of Sri Lanka A before earning a recall for the first Test against [[Australia]] in [[Brisbane]]. He scored 13 and 20 and was promptly dropped when [[Kumar Sangakkara]] returned to the side for the second game in [[Hobart]]. This was followed by his non-inclusion in the squad to play [[England]] in the first Test in [[Kandy]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.cricketworld.com/england_in_sri_lanka_2007/article/?aid=13940 |title=Cricketworld.com &#124; Samaraweera Left Out of Squad to Face England |access-date=23 November 2007 |archive-date=28 November 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071128223124/http://www.cricketworld.com/england_in_sri_lanka_2007/article/?aid=13940 |url-status=dead }}</ref><br />
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Samaraweera was included in the Sri Lankan team to play the Test series in Pakistan in February – March 2009. This series was conducted after the Indian team withdrew from a scheduled series in Pakistan, following the [[2008 Mumbai attacks]]. Samaraweera started off the series in superb form, hitting consecutive double centuries – 231 in the first Test in Karachi and 214 in the second Test in Lahore.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera savours maiden double|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-savours-maiden-double-391831|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He too has the record for the highest individual score for Sri Lanka when batting at number 5 position in tests when he scored 231 against Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera batting best among us – Sangakkara|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-batting-best-among-us-sangakkara-392954|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera and Sangakkara make it Sri Lanka's day|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-2008-09-343521/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-2nd-test-388994/match-report|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> Also, Thilan Samaraweera was the first ever Sri Lankan to score a test century at number 8 position and holds the record for the highest score for Sri Lanka jointly with [[Kithuruwan Vithanage]] at number 8 position in tests (103*)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Records/SriLanka/Test/Batting/Highest_Score_by_Batting_position.html|title=The Home of CricketArchive|publisher=CricketArchive|access-date=2017-02-22}}</ref> During the test tour of Pakistan in 2009, he was highlighted for his machine gun celebration after scoring a century and it was considered as a quite new celebration by a player in international cricket at that time although he did it on numerous occasions in domestic circuit.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera proves his worth, again|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thilan-samaraweera-proves-his-worth-again-593954|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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In February 2009, he shared a record-breaking partnership of 437 with [[Mahela Jayawardene]]. This is a world record for 4th wicket in Test cricket.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Jayawardene and Samaraweera hammer Pakistan|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-pakistan-2008-09-343521/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-1st-test-388993/match-report|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> The previous Test record was held by an English pair—[[Peter May (cricketer)|Peter May]] and [[Colin Cowdrey]]—who put on 411 against [[West Indies]] at [[Birmingham]] in May 1957. The record stood for 6 years until surpassed on 11 December 2015 by two Aussies [[Adam Voges]] and [[Shaun Marsh]] with 449 for fourth wicket against West Indies.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Voges, Marsh notch up record fourth-wicket stand in Tests|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/voges-marsh-notch-up-record-fourth-wicket-stand-in-tests-951153|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He ended the 2009 season on a high note with 1234 runs in 11 test matches at an average of 72.58.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera's 2009 dream run continues|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-s-2009-dream-run-continues-422462|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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In September 2009, he scored his maiden ODI century against [[New Zealand national cricket team]] at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, almost eleven years after his ODI debut.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera shows off his one-day skills|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-shows-off-his-one-day-skills-424130|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He scored his next ODI century against India during a [[Tri-Series in Bangladesh in 2009–10|50 over Tri-nation series in Bangladesh]] in 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thilan Samaraweera century drives Sri Lanka to tri-nation series win over India|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/international/india/6938127/Thilan-Samaraweera-century-drives-Sri-Lanka-to-tri-nation-series-win-over-India.html|access-date=2021-08-11|website=The Daily Telegraph|location=London}}</ref> He was often criticised of being a backyard bully mostly piling up runs in subcontinent amassing 4275 runs in 60 tests in Asia at an average of 54.11 and his record outside Asia was pity average scoring 1187 runs at an average of 35.96 in 21 tests.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-09-22|title=Thilan Samaraweera: Sri Lanka's strong-willed middle-order batsman|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/thilan-samaraweera-sri-lanka-rsquo-s-strong-willed-middle-order-batsman-31214|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Cricket Country|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Graceful Samaraweera answers critics|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-v-india-graceful-samaraweera-answers-critics-471313|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> After being a victim of Lahore attack in 2009, he returned to competitive cricket and initially struggled to deliver on his comeback return.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Courage, desire and gritted teeth|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/courage-desire-and-gritted-teeth-407937|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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In 2011, after poor form with the bat during a [[Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2011|home series against Australia]], he was dropped from Sri Lanka's team for the [[Pakistani cricket team vs Sri Lanka in the UAE in 2011–12|series against Pakistan]]. He was also left out of the squad to [[Sri Lankan cricket team in South Africa in 2011–12|tour South Africa]], but was given a late call-up to cover for [[Mahela Jayawardene]] due to a knee injury.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/south-africa-v-sri-lanka-2011/content/current/story/549568.html|title='Thought my career had ended' – Samaraweera|date=15 January 2012|publisher=[[ESPNcricinfo]]|access-date=15 January 2012}}</ref> He scored two centuries in the three-Test series, and moved into the top ten of the [[ICC Player Rankings]] for Test batsmen for the first time in his career.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/newsdetails.php?newsId=18525_1326009600|title=Clarke vaults into top 10 after unbeaten triple century|date=8 January 2012|work=icc-cricket.yahoo.net|publisher=[[International Cricket Council]]|access-date=8 January 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110030108/http://icc-cricket.yahoo.net/newsdetails.php?newsId=18525_1326009600|archive-date=10 January 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=A remarkable comeback, and a high in South Africa|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-stats-a-remarkable-comeback-and-a-high-in-south-africa-623933|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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He was selected to the Sri Lankan team for the [[2011 Cricket World Cup]] which was also his first and only World Cup appearance.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Tournament's best at final hurdle|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/icc-cricket-world-cup-2010-11-381449/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-433606/match-preview|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He also appeared in the [[2011 Cricket World Cup Final|final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup]] and he played a crucial role by adding 57 runs for the fourth wicket with Mahela Jayawardene.<ref>{{Cite web|title=We honestly thought we had a great chance to win that World Cup|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/my-first-world-cup-thilan-samaraweera-on-the-2011-tournament-815701|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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Samaraweera holds the record for scoring the most runs in ODI cricket with only scoring centuries without even dismissed between 50 and 99, he never had scores of unbeaten innings between 50 and 99. He has scored 2 ODI hundreds without a single ODI fifty.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/1094384.html|title=Wicket with a wide, and Afghanistan's Test player|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2017-04-27|language=en}}</ref> He also ended his ODI career without hitting a six despite two centuries to his name.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-07-04|title=4 batsmen who never hit a six in their ODI careers|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sports/cricket/040716/4-batsmen-who-never-hit-a-six-in-odis.html|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}</ref><br />
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In March 2013, he announced his retirement from international cricket after being overlooked for a [[Bangladesh cricket team in Sri Lanka 2012-13|home Test series against Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-03-06|title=Thilan Samaraweera retires from international cricket|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/news/thilan-samaraweera-retires-from-international-cricket-23752|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Cricket Country|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Thilan Samaraweera expresses desire to retire {{!}} Cricket News|url=https://sports.ndtv.com/cricket/thilan-samaraweera-expreses-desire-to-retire-1539944|access-date=2021-08-11|website=NDTVSports.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera retires from international cricket|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thilan-samaraweera-retires-from-international-cricket-623767|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Lahore attack==<br />
<br />
Samaraweera, along with five teammates, was injured in the [[2009 attack on the Sri Lanka national cricket team|3 March 2009 attack]] on the bus that carried the Sri Lankan team to the [[Gaddafi Stadium]] in Lahore, Pakistan.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2013-03-03|title=When cricket's 9/11 sounded death knell for the future of the sport in Pakistan|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/when-cricket-s-9-11-sounded-death-knell-for-the-future-of-the-sport-in-pakistan-23630|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Cricket Country|language=en-US}}</ref> He was hospitalised with a thigh injury.<ref>(3 March 2009). [http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2009/03/03/1235842395321.html "Sri Lankan cricket players shot in terrorist attack in Lahore"]. ''Sydney Morning Herald''.</ref> Samaraweera was the most seriously injured player amongst them.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-04|title='Get down, they're shooting the bus': Kumar Sangakkara recalls 2009 Lahore bus attack|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/get-down-they-re-shooting-the-bus-kumar-sangakkara-recalls-2009-lahore-bus-attack/story-Cs3RY7YDcD6o4XBPAbqFOL.html|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref> Thilan suffered a major injury on his left thigh as a bullet fired by a terrorist pierced through his knee well inside his body by 12 inches. Six policemen that guarded the bus and two civilians were killed in the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sri Lankan players feared teammates were dead – CNN.com|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/03/04/pakistan.sri.lanka.coach/index.html|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=CNN}}</ref> He then underwent surgery, remained at hospital for two weeks and took brief break from cricket for roughly 4 months.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera undergoes surgery|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/samaraweera-undergoes-surgery-393489|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> The doctors advised him that he may not ever play cricket again but he soon overcame the obstacles and mental trauma following the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC World Service – Stumped, Samaraweera still traumatised by 2009 attack|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p05d187x|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=BBC|language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2009-03-05|title=Samaraweera recovers after bullet removed from leg|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/samaraweera-recovers-after-bullet-removed-from-leg-1637931.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220507/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/samaraweera-recovers-after-bullet-removed-from-leg-1637931.html |archive-date=7 May 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-11|website=The Independent|language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He also revealed that he was still haunted by the 2009 Lahore terrorist attack.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-08-24|title=Thilan Samaraweera still haunted by the 2009 attack of the Sri lankan team bus|url=https://www.crictracker.com/thilan-samaraweera-still-haunted-by-the-2009-attack-of-the-sri-lankan-team-bus/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=CricTracker}}</ref> He returned to cricket in June 2009 following his surgery.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lahore victim Samaraweera leaves hospital and aims for May return {{!}} Sri Lanka cricket team attack |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/19/sri-lanka-cricket-team-attack-thilan-samaraweera-eyes-may-return|access-date=2021-08-11|website=The Guardian}}</ref> He was believed to have undergone 2 and half hours operation at the [[Nawaloka Hospital]] in Colombo and fears were also raised that he could be forced to retire from international cricket.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera operation dampens retirement talk {{!}} Sri Lanka cricket team |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2009/mar/05/thilan-samaraweera-operation-lahore-attakcs|access-date=2021-08-11|website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='I thought my career was over' – Samaraweera|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/i-thought-my-career-was-over-samaraweera-395721|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Coaching career==<br />
He became the batting consultant for [[Bangladesh national cricket team|Bangladesh]] in September 2016 ahead of the [[English cricket team in Bangladesh in 2016–17|Bangladesh's home Test series against England]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2016-09-02|title=Bangladesh hire former Sri Lankan cricketer Thilan Samaraweera as batting guru|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/bangladesh-hire-former-sri-lankan-cricketer-thilan-samaraweera-as-batting-guru-3009875/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera appointed Bangladesh batting consultant|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thilan-samaraweera-appointed-bangladesh-batting-consultant-1053225|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He was employed by [[Cricket Australia]] as a consultant coach for [[Australian cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2016|Australian team for the test tour of Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Test squad tapping into SL knowledge|url=https://www.cricket.com.au/news/australia-test-series-sri-lanka-shaun-marsh-thilan-samaraweera/2016-06-29|access-date=2021-08-11|website=cricket.com.au|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Andrew Wood Thursday 30 June 2016|title=Australia sign Thilan Samaraweera as batting consultant|url=https://www.cricketworld.com/australia-sign-thilan-samaraweera-as-batting-consultant/45374.htm|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Cricket World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Cricket Australia rope in Samaraweera as batting consultant|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/cricket-australia-rope-in-thilan-samaraweera-as-batting-consultant-1030877|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> He served as batting consultant for Bangladesh until the [[2017 ICC Champions Trophy]] and BCB did not extend the contract after the Champions Trophy.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera not to continue as batting consultant|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thilan-samaraweera-not-to-continue-as-batting-consultant-1112002|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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In November 2017, he was named as [[Sri Lanka]]'s batting coach till [[2019 ICC Cricket World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera to coach Sri Lanka's batsmen|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thilan-samaraweera-to-coach-sri-lanka-s-batsmen-1125401|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Chauhan|first=Aditya|date=2017-11-05|title=Thilan Samaraweera appointed new batting coach of Sri Lanka|url=https://www.indiatvnews.com/sports/cricket-thilan-samaraweera-appointed-new-batting-coach-of-sri-lanka-india-vs-sri-lanka-series-slc-410429|access-date=2021-08-11|website=indiatvnews.com|language=en}}</ref> However, he stepped down from the role of Sri Lanka's batting coach in 2018 following the end of [[Sri Lankan cricket team in New Zealand in 2018–19|Sri Lanka's test series in New Zealand]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-12-13|title=Sri Lanka oust Thilan Samaraweera as the batting coach|url=https://www.crictracker.com/sri-lanka-oust-thilan-samaraweera-as-the-batting-coach/|access-date=2021-08-11|website=CricTracker|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Samaraweera points to Sri Lanka's batting gains on day of losses|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thilan-samaraweera-points-to-sri-lanka-s-batting-gains-on-day-of-losses-1170018|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref> During the New Zealand tour around 2018, he was known for serving as a personal mentor to [[Kusal Mendis]] and Thilan made sure that Kusal Mendis was not dropped for the test match at Wellington.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kusal Mendis eyes double-ton as mentor Samaraweera's send-off gift|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kusal-mendis-eyes-double-ton-as-mentor-samaraweera-s-send-off-gift-1169237|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Kusal Mendis the dasher turns into Thilan Samaraweera clone|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kusal-mendis-the-dasher-turns-into-thilan-samaraweera-clone-1169326|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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He was appointed as the fielding coach of the [[Kolkata Knight Riders]] in 2018 for the [[Indian Premier League]]. In 2019, he was roped in by [[New Zealand Cricket]] to work with [[New Zealand national cricket team|New Zealand cricket team]] for the [[New Zealand cricket team in Sri Lanka in 2019|test tour of Sri Lanka]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thilan Samaraweera to work with New Zealand Test team in Sri Lanka|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/thilan-samaraweera-to-work-with-new-zealand-test-team-in-sri-lanka-1196056|access-date=2021-08-11|publisher=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}</ref><br />
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In August 2021, he was included in New Zealand's coaching staff for the [[New Zealand cricket team in Bangladesh in 2021–22|New Zealand cricket team's tour of Bangladesh]] and [[New Zealand cricket team in Pakistan in 2021–22|Pakistan]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Thilan Samaraweera joins New Zealand coaching staff|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/sports/8778/thilan-samaraweera-joins-new-zealand-coaching-staff|access-date=2021-08-11|website=adaderana.lk|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ratnaweera|first=Dhammika|title=Samaraweera joins NZ coaching staff|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/08/11/sports/256324/samaraweera-joins-nz-coaching-staff|access-date=2021-08-11|website=Daily News|language=en}}</ref><br />
<br />
==Notes==<br />
{{reflist}}<br />
<br />
==External links==<br />
*{{ESPNcricinfo|id=50424}}<br />
<br />
{{Sri Lanka Squad 2011 ICC World Cup}}<br />
<br />
{{DEFAULTSORT:Samaraweera, Thilan}}<br />
[[Category:1976 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:Alumni of Ananda College]]<br />
[[Category:Colts Cricket Club cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Sinhalese Sports Club cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Sri Lanka One Day International cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Sri Lanka Test cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Cricketers who made a century on Test debut]]<br />
[[Category:Sri Lankan cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Cricketers at the 1998 Commonwealth Games]]<br />
[[Category:Sri Lankan terrorism victims]]<br />
[[Category:Cricketers at the 2011 Cricket World Cup]]<br />
[[Category:Wayamba cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Kandurata cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Worcestershire cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Kandurata Warriors cricketers]]<br />
[[Category:Commonwealth Games competitors for Sri Lanka]]<br />
[[Category:Cricketers from Colombo]]</div>RefugiaLoveless