A stand with Vaasy

First first-class game
It was back in 1998, I think, after the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, where I was judged best wicketkeeper. England A was touring Sri Lanka. I don't think I scored many. [He was out lbw to James Ormond for 0.]

First major cricket lesson
It was very difficult being dropped after one Test. You know how good you are but you watch guys go ahead of you. At that time the selectors told me to focus on my batting, so I went back to the domestic circuit and worked hard. It was very frustrating.

First international century
Against Bangladesh at the SSC in 2007. It was really special. I had been getting scores, but nothing big. I added a double-century stand [a seventh-wicket record for Sri Lanka against all countries] with Chaminda Vaas, who got his maiden century in that game too. I had been given another chance at Test cricket and assured of playing for a few series, and after that hundred, especially, I took it with both hands

First hero I met
Ian Healy. I used to watch him on television any chance I got. I got the opportunity to speak to him in Australia in 2007 and he gave me some good tips. It really made me happy. He's such a great man.

First international I played in
I made my Test debut in 2000 in Kandy, and I didn't do anything in that game. The weather was poor and play was only possible on the first three days. The other two were washed out. I didn't bat or keep wickets. I was really disappointed. After that I didn't get a chance for two years.