End of an era

Bright sunshine graced the Sinhalese Sports Club this evening as the game petered out into a predictable draw. Perhaps it did so in deference to Sri Lanka's greatest cricketing son who walked out to bat to for the last time in an international game.

With the unexpectedly fine weather in the morning, a result in this game became a possibility for both sides. Sri Lanka's chances soon faded as South Africa extended their lead to 262. Required to score the runs in 68 overs, Sri Lankan hearts were given a flutter when they lost early wickets, but in the end the game was saved with ease, thanks to an entertaining century by Mahela Jayawardene (101*).

The draw means that an enthralling series ends on equal terms after appearing so one sided during the first test match. The South African team, burdened by the treachery of their past captain, has shown considerable guts to overcome the past few months and perform so creditably in the past two games, on conditions so foreign and the umpiring so poor.

Deep down they will know that not everything is rosy. There is much work to be done in all departments of the game. Shaun Pollock apart the bowling has been wayward and the batting of the top order has been brittle. Even the fielding, usually so spectacular, has been ragged at times.

Speaking afterwards Shaun Pollock said: "It is disappointing as we would have liked to have won the series but there are positives to take out of a draw against them, in their home territory and on wickets that don't suit us."

Sri Lanka our left to rue an opportunity missed. They are yet to defeat South Africa in a series and for the most part of the first two tests they appeared certain to redress the balance. But when the pressure counted their top order froze. The quest to become the best test side in the world, clearly has some way to go.

The fact that they can even talk with such lofty ambition is because of one man. A cricketer of talent, but most importantly of inner strength. He gave Sri Lankan cricket the confidence to compete against the best and made a charming team an abrasive one too. He may have made enemies but to be a great competitor one inevitably will.

Indeed Arjuna Ranatunga's farewell overshadowed the day. Fate provided him one last opportunity to play one last innings. When his great pal, Aravinda De Silva, was adjudged LBW to Klusener with one hour remaining till the close, he proudly walked to the middle, cheered on all the way by his admirers, who had flocked to the ground this afternoon to bid farewell.

Hugged upon his arrival at the crease by Mahela Jayawardene he couldn't resist a grin. A cherubic one, the kind that betrays his age and hides that battle hardened interior. He enjoyed himself in the middle and had time for 6 characteristic boundaries; a full flowing cover drive, that lazy sweep and the lofted straight drive.

For 64 minutes he partnered the next generation. Mahela Jayawardene (101*), who also plays his club cricket for the Sinhalese Sports Club, scored his second test century of the series and the forth of his career. After some anxious moments in the early overs, one catch dropping short of second slip and a top edged hook landing in vacant pastures, he batted cautiously to ensure the game was saved, before opening up in the closing overs, reaching his century with a flurry of boundaries.

It was a great innings but it will never be remembered. Today was for saying goodbye. Even the iciest of characters will have felt pangs of regret when Arjuna Ranatunga, garlands draped around his neck and sunglasses to hide his sad eyes, stood on the podium and bid farewell.

The scene was highly charged with emotion. The affection of the public and his fellow players plain to see, and touching to share. Sanath Jayasuriya couldn't prevent a teardrop rolling down his face and there were many more with reddened eyes.

Muttiah Murlitharan was named man of the match after picking up five wickets for the 22nd time of his career. This morning he quickly had Lance Klusener (35) caught behind and then bowled Mark Boucher (25) in the 97th over of the innings. He finishes the series with 26 wickets, equaling his personal record achieved against Pakistan. Lord knows how many Englishmen he will snaffle next year.

Once again Nicky Boje (21*) batted well down the order, ensuring that the target was beyond the reach of Sri Lanka. South Africa though still had a chance and when three wickets fell for 37 runs a dramatic victory became a realistic possibility.

Mahela Jayawardene, in partnership with Aravinda De Silva (41), extinguished the threat with an 82 run stand, to set the stage for a farewell cameo.