M. SATHASIVAM
The batting maestro
 

Ceylon can be proud that with it's limited opportunities it has produced a batsman of the stamp of M. Sathasivam.

T.B. Marambe - Times of Ceylon Ltd. 1948

           
           Sathasivam in1948

  Ceylon Cricket team 1948 captained by Sathasivam

One of the best cricketers produced by Wesley College. Satha as he was popularly known was called the "Gay Cavalier" of Ceylon cricket following the 111 runs he scored in the Unofficial Test during the first official All India tour to Ceylon in 1944/45. The Indian team was captained by Vijay Merchant. Satha regularly turned out for the Tamil Union Cricket Club in the P. Sara Trophy tourney and also led the side for many years. He usually batted at No. 4 and was a treat to watch when in top gear and was an exponent of the late cut which kept fielders stuck to their respective positions. He often began his innings in an uncertain manner, but when well set was a delight. One would remember the 99 he scored for a team which consisted of players from Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan and Australia versus a Commonwealth XI led by Bill Alley and played at the Colombo Oval. Both Satha and Australia’s Keith Miller were going great guns in a massive partnership and the duo were in sight of centuries. But Satha in attempting to glide paceman George Pope for his 100th run was bowled leg stump much to the dismay of the crowd present.