Cricket is a very fickle game. Atapattu had an inauspicious start to his Test career, with sheer grit and determination he blossomed. I can remember as the Cricket Manager of Sampath Bank in the late 1980s, Marvan Atapattu had a problem. At that time he did not concentrate enough to play a long innings, but, I knew that he will come good, and I am proud of him. Form is temporary.
Class is permanent.
Marvan has proved this fact. As an opener, first of all you must adjust to the weather, primarily wind and light. One of the important weapons of a fast bowler is his ability to swing. For this wind plays a vital role. For an opening batsman facing the new ball, just outside the off stump is an area of uncertainty.