Full Name: Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara
Born: 27th Oct 1977, Matale
Age: 28
Role: Left Hand Batsman / Wicketkeeper
Major Teams: Sri Lanka, ACC Asian XI, Nondescripts Cricket Club
Test Debut: Sri Lanka v South Africa at Galle - Jul 20-23, 2000
ODI Debut: Sri Lanka v Pakistan at Galle - Jul 5, 2000

At almost any other time in the history of the game, Kumar Sangakkara would be viewed as the outstanding wicketkeeper-batsman of his generation.

But sadly, because of the extraordinary feats of Adam Gilchrist, Sangakkara's own achievements have often been overlooked. This is unfortunate, as there have been few wicket keepers who have managed a test batting average approaching 50. Throw in the additional complications of batting at number three, and keeping to arguably the least orthodox spinner in the history of the game, and it is clear that this is no ordinary practitioner. The name of his club team, 'The Nondescripts Cricket Club', could hardly be less appropriate.

Born on 27 October 1977, Sangakkara made his test and one-day debuts in July 2000. A left-handed batsman, some observers have suggested that he combines the style of David Gower with the attitude of Steve Waugh. In full flow, he is a sight to behold - as comfortable on the front as the back foot - and his increasing appetite for large hundreds suggests that he is now approaching his peak as a Test batsman. He has been a more effective performer in Tests than ODIs, although in recent times he has played some magical ODI innings, none better than the 138* against India in 2005 - and he was one of the few players to emerge from the ill-fated Super Series with his reputation enhanced.

Behind the stumps Sangakkara is often as brilliant as he is in front of them, although he is prone to bouts of inconsistency.

He is an intelligent and articulate man, who is training to become a lawyer. In the meantime, he is not afraid to air his views on the field. He is a handy sledger, and, judging by his infamous spat with the normally unflappable Mike Atherton, is capable of getting under the skin of almost anyone. He is reputed to be a sharp analyst of the game, and some feel that he will one day captain his country.

Whether it will be possible to add that to his already packed job description remains to be seen. What is in no doubt though is that Sangakkara has already established himself as one of Sri Lanka's greatest batsmen and could go on to be the greatest.