Top 5 number 5s in Tests for Sri Lanka

#1 Thilan Samaraweera

There has probably not been a more underrated or rather unappreciated batsman in recent cricket history than Sri Lanka's former number 5 Thilan Samaraweera. He made his debut in 2001 and for the next eleven years, represented his country with distinction in 81 Test matches, out of which he played at number 5 in 62 of them.

While players like Mahela Jayawardene provided the stardust in the batting line-up, it was Samaraweera who provided the much-needed solidity to the batting line-up. His game was based on a solid defence, patience and determination, which made him an extremely tough batsman to dislodge.

He was a classic accumulator of runs and expansive strokes were not much of a part of his game, although he did become a far better stroke-maker in the latter part of his career. His record at number 5 is exemplary and with an aggregate of 3903 runs, he is the highest scorer at the position for Sri Lanka. The right-hander averaged 47.59 at number 5 and made 11 centuries, in addition to 21 fifties.