Russel Arnold

{{Infobox cricketer

| name = Russel Arnold

| image =

| fullname = Russel Premakumaran Arnold

| birth_place = Colombo, Sri Lanka

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1973|10|25|df=yes}}

| country = Sri Lanka

| batting = Left-handed

| bowling = Right-arm off break

| role = Batting All-rounder

| international = true

| internationalspan = 1997–2007

| testdebutdate = 19 April

| testdebutyear = 1997

| testdebutagainst = Pakistan

| lasttestdate = 1 July

| lasttestyear = 2004

| lasttestagainst = Australia

| testcap = 68

| odidebutdate = 6 November

| odidebutyear = 1997

| odidebutagainst = South Africa

| lastodidate = 28 April

| lastodiyear = 2007

| lastodiagainst = Australia

| odicap = 91

| oneT20I = yes

| T20Idebutdate = 15 June

| T20Idebutyear = 2006

| T20Idebutagainst = England

| T20Icap = 1

| columns = 3

| column1 = Test

| matches1 = 44

| runs1 = 1,821

| bat avg1 = 28.01

| 100s/50s1 = 3/10

| top score1 = 123

| deliveries1 = 1,334

| wickets1 = 11

| bowl avg1 = 54.36

| fivefor1 = 0

| tenfor1 = 0

| best bowling1 = 3/76

| catches/stumpings1 = 51/–

| column2 = ODI

| matches2 = 180

| runs2 = 3,950

| bat avg2 = 35.26

| 100s/50s2 = 1/28

| top score2 = 103

| deliveries2 = 2,157

| wickets2 = 40

| bowl avg2 = 43.47

| fivefor2 = 0

| tenfor2 = 0

| best bowling2 = 3/47

| catches/stumpings2 = 48/–

| column3 = T20I

| matches3 = 1

| runs3 = 7

| bat avg3 = 7.00

| 100s/50s3 = 0/0

| top score3 = 7

| deliveries3 = –

| wickets3 = –

| bowl avg3 = –

| fivefor3 = –

| tenfor3 = –

| best bowling3 = –

| catches/stumpings3 = 0/–

| medaltemplates =

{{MedalCountry|{{SRI}}}}

| date = 2 May

| year = 2016

| source = http://www.espncricinfo.com/srilanka/content/player/48122.html ESPNcricinfo

}}

Russel Premakumaran Arnold ({{langx|ta|ரசல் பிரேம்குமாரன் அர்னால்ட்}}; born 25 October 1973), or Russel Arnold, is a former Sri Lankan cricketer of Tamil descent, who played all forms of the game.{{Cite web|title=Russel Arnold Profile – ICC Ranking, Age, Career Info & Stats|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/405/russel-arnold|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Cricbuzz|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Russel Arnold profile and biography, stats, records, averages, photos and videos|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/player/russel-arnold-48122|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} He played as the finisher role in the Sri Lankan team batting down the order at international level.{{Cite web|title=Russel recalls|url=https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/1114726/russel-recalls|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} Arnold currently works as an international commentator. He was the first Twenty20 International cap for Sri Lanka as he was part of Sri Lanka's first ever T20I team. He retired from cricket in 2007 after playing the final in 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup.{{cite web|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/25182934/where-rangana-herath-team-mates-1999-test-debut |title=Where are Herath's team-mates from his 1999 Test debut? |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=13 March 2019|date=5 November 2018 }}{{Cite web|title=Arnold to quit after the World Cup|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arnold-to-quit-after-the-world-cup-292289|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}

Early life

Arnold was encouraged to take the sport of cricket by his grandfather. He played school cricket at the St. Peter's College, Colombo where he received his primary and secondary education. He played for Sri Lanka Under19 cricket team and impressed in the tour of England in a 3 match test series in 1992 where he scored 242 runs at the average of 48.40. He first arrived to domestic cricket in 1993 at the age of 20.{{Cite web|date=2015-10-25|title=Russel Arnold: 17 facts about former Sri Lankan cricketer-turned-commentator|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/russel-arnold-17-facts-about-former-sri-lankan-cricketer-turned-commentator-509513|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Cricket Country|language=en-US}}

International career

Arnold made his Test debut against Pakistan on April and his One day international debut against South Africa later in the year on 6 November 1997.{{Cite web|title=Russel says changes should be made {{!}} The Sunday Times Sri Lanka|url=http://www.sundaytimes.lk/150621/sports/russel-says-changes-should-be-made-154325.html|access-date=2021-07-01}}{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 1st Test 1996/97 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/pakistan-tour-of-sri-lanka-1996-97-61512/sri-lanka-vs-pakistan-1st-test-63752/full-scorecard|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of South Africa vs Sri Lanka 6th Match 1997/98 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/wills-quadrangular-tournament-1997-98-61014/south-africa-vs-sri-lanka-6th-match-66129/full-scorecard|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} His test debut came as a blessing in disguise as he came as an injury replacement to Roshan Mahanama who was injured in a batting session in the nets.{{Cite web|date=2013-10-25|title=Russel Arnold: A hard-working utility player in the Sri Lankan ranks|url=https://www.cricketcountry.com/articles/russel-arnold-a-hard-working-utility-player-in-the-sri-lankan-ranks-32633|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Cricket Country|language=en-US}} He was initially called into the Sri Lankan reserve squad for the home series against Pakistan in 1997 following his performances in domestic circuit.

Originally an opening batsman, Arnold has since moved down the batting order mainly due to the rise of Marvan Atapattu. He is most famous in the pearl island as a very versatile player, making him ideally suitable for the limited over version of the game. However, when he started his career, he was seen primarily as a solid top order batsmen where he impressed against Australia during the AIWA Cup of 1999, as well as the subsequent test series against them, where he batted at no 3. He batted at no 6 for the first time in his career during the Coca-Cola Champions Trophy 1999.{{Cite web|title=It's a good feeling to get back to form after a rough time: Russel Arnold|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/it-s-a-good-feeling-to-get-back-to-form-after-a-rough-time-russel-arnold-101946|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} The then Sri Lankan team head coach Dav Whatmore had felt that Russel could be utilised well when he plays down the order.

In an ODI match against Zimbabwe in 1999, Arnold along with Sajeewa de Silva set the record for the highest 10th wicket stand for Sri Lanka in ODI history (51).{{Cite news|url=http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/fow/highest_partnerships_by_wicket.html?class=2;id=8;type=team |title=Cricket Records {{!}} Records {{!}} Sri Lanka {{!}} One-Day Internationals {{!}} Highest partnerships by wicket {{!}} ESPNcricinfo |work=ESPNcricinfo |access-date=2017-03-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123022817/http://stats.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/records/fow/highest_partnerships_by_wicket.html?class=2%3Bid%3D8%3Btype%3Dteam |archive-date=23 November 2016 }}{{Cite news|url=http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/64636.html|title=2nd ODI: Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka at Bulawayo, Dec 12, 1999 {{!}} Cricket Scorecard {{!}} ESPNcricinfo|work=ESPNcricinfo|access-date=2017-03-28}} During the final of the 2000–01 Sharjah Champions Trophy against India in 2000 at Sharjah, Arnold helped Sanath Jayasuriya to post his highest individual score of 189. Sanath and Arnold had a good partnership until Sanath stumped after a brilliant 189. Russel provided good support scoring unbeaten 52 off 62 balls in the match. Sri Lanka eventually won the final by a big margin of 245 runs.{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs India Final 2000/01 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/coca-cola-champions-trophy-2000-01-61074/india-vs-sri-lanka-final-65900/full-scorecard|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} He was part of the Sri Lankan team captained by Sanath Jayasuriya which won the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy jointly with India.{{Cite web|date=2020-05-13|title=‘He’s a fierce competitor’: Russel Arnold recalls ‘banter’ with Sourav Ganguly in 2002 Champions Trophy final|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cricket/he-will-give-as-good-as-he-gets-russel-arnold-recalls-bust-up-with-sourav-ganguly-in-2002-champions-trophy-final/story-0uW2IeIVKC0zPtsjY7DAsI.html|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}

Arnold's failure in the 2003 Cricket World Cup saw him sidelined for many months as selectors opted to groom the youngsters into the side. However, he fought his way back into the side with a string of good scores in domestic cricket for his club, Nondescripts.{{Cite web|title=Kottehewa and Arnold steern NCC to limited-overs title|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/kottehewa-and-arnold-steern-ncc-to-limited-overs-title-275545|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} A calm and cool player in a crisis situation, Arnold has dragged Sri Lanka out of many sticky situations.{{Cite web|title=Arnold to the rescue again|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arnold-to-the-rescue-again-126089|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} He is highly valued for his gritty qualities and is considered an unselfish team man. He is considered an ideal No. 6; he is a Methodist Christian of Tamil descent.

{{cite web

| url=http://specials.rediff.com/cricket/2003/jul/18arnold.htm?zcc=ar

| title=Jayasuriya is King Midas

| date = 18 July 2003

| access-date = 17 December 2008

| publisher=Rediff.com}}

Arnold has been nicknamed "Rusty" by Roshan Mahanama and Pramodya Wickramasinghe, due to it being a very common nickname for the name Russel, and for his batting style as tough and durable, though not really pretty. His late cut shot is admired by many critics at that time where he used the shot so often to spin bowling.

Arnold made his T20I debut against England on 15 June 2006, which was incidentally Sri Lanka's first-ever T20I match. It was also his only T20I match in his career and Sri Lanka won the match by two runs.{{Cite web|title=Full Scorecard of Sri Lanka vs England Only T20I 2006 – Score Report {{!}} ESPNcricinfo.com|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/sri-lanka-tour-of-england-2006-211972/england-vs-sri-lanka-only-t20i-225271/full-scorecard|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}

Retirement

During April 2007 he announced, through team manager Michael Tissera, that he intended to retire from international cricket after the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup final, which came as a shock to Sri Lankan cricket.{{Cite web|title=Arnold handed World Cup opportunity|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arnold-handed-world-cup-opportunity-276726|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Arnold and Chandana handed World Cup lifeline|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/arnold-and-chandana-handed-world-cup-lifeline-276263|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} He cited the pressure of too much travel as his reason.

After retirement, he played A-grade cricket in Sydney for Hornsby District Cricket Club and has also played numerous games for the Melbourne Super Kings in Melbourne. He also played for Chennai Superstars in the Indian Cricket League.{{Cite web|last=Sygall|first=David|date=2008-02-17|title=Arnold: It was an offer I couldn't refuse|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/arnold-it-was-an-offer-i-couldnt-refuse-20080217-gds1fh.html|access-date=2021-07-01|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en}} He also coached at Barker College, a prestigious private school in Sydney's north. He also was assistant coach to Deccan Chargers in the IPL before the team was removed from the competition.

In 2018, he was appointed as the tournament director of the Lanka Premier League by the Sri Lanka Cricket but the proposed 2018 edition of the LPL was cancelled due to the dissolution of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.{{Cite web|title=Russel Arnold named Director of Lankan Premier League|url=http://www.adaderana.lk/sports/7680/russel-arnold-named-director-of-lankan-premier-league|access-date=2021-07-01|website=adaderana.lk|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Russel Arnold appointed Director of Lankan Premier League|url=https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/101499/russel-arnold-appointed-director-of-lankan-premier-league|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Cricbuzz|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=SLC shambles lead to postponement of Lankan Premier League|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/slc-shambles-lead-to-postponement-of-lankan-premier-league-1151427|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} He also played for Sri Lanka Legends in 2020-21 Road Safety World Series which was captained by Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sri Lanka Legends became runners up to India Legends in the final.{{Cite web|title=Dilshan leads Lanka Legends|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2021/02/27/sports/242674/dilshan-leads-lanka-legends|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Daily News|language=en}}

Current career

Arnold is now a popular television commentator and also writes a weekly Q+A column on Island Cricket.{{Cite web | url=http://www.islandcricket.lk/columns/russel-arnold/content | title=Island Cricket – Home of the Sri Lankan Cricket Fan | access-date=28 November 2012 | archive-date=25 April 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150425122210/http://www.islandcricket.lk/columns/russel-arnold/content | url-status=dead }} Russel also keeps his fans entertained using his iPhone app [https://web.archive.org/web/20140605195710/https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/ask-rusty/id560530779?mt=8 'Ask Rusty'] launched in 2012. It was launched in 2012 along with the T20 World Cup. The iPhone app allows Russel's fans to ask questions directly from Russel Arnold. In addition, it consists of feeds of Russel's match predictions where the user can actively participate in voting. He also wrote articles for ESPNcricinfo for brief stint. He also worked as a radio broadcaster for a short period of time.{{Cite web|last=ceylonradio|date=2013-07-23|title=Russel Arnold with Ceylon Radio Scoreboard {{!}} Ceylon Radio|url=https://www.ceylonradio.co.uk/russel-arnold-with-ceylon-radio-scoreboard/|access-date=2021-07-01|language=en-US}}

On 1 December 2016, Arnold won the Dialog Sri Lanka Cricket awards for the International Commentator of the year 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.cricketmachan.com/news/dialog-cricket-awards-2016-list-award-winners/|title=Dialog Cricket Awards 2016: List of award winners|publisher=Cricket Machan|date=1 December 2016}} He is currently regarded as just one of two Sri Lankan international cricket commentators alongside Roshan Abeysinghe.{{Cite web|date=2015-07-25|title=Russel Arnold with Roshan Abeysinghe in a distinctive Around the Wickets segment|url=https://www.thepapare.com/russell-arnold-with-roshan-abeysinghe-in-a-distinctive-around-the-wickets-segment/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=ThePapare.com|language=en-US}} He has worked as a commentator in international cricket matches involving Sri Lanka as well as worked as commentator in Test Match Special, Indian Premier League, 2020 Lanka Premier League.{{Cite web|last=Bhargav|first=Dixit|date=2021-01-12|title=BBC Test Match Special Cricket Commentators: Sir Alastair Cook and Michael Vaughan in nine-member TMS team for Sri Lanka vs England Tests|url=https://thesportsrush.com/cricket-news-bbc-test-match-special-cricket-commentators-sir-alastair-cook-and-michael-vaughan-in-nine-member-tms-team-for-sri-lanka-vs-england-tests/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=The SportsRush|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=Darren Ganga, Aamir Sohail, Mike Heysman, Gibbs and Arnold part of LPL commentary team|url=http://www.dailynews.lk/2020/11/11/sports/233336/darren-ganga-aamir-sohail-mike-heysman-gibbs-and-arnold-part-lpl-commentary|access-date=2021-07-01|website=Daily News|language=en}} He has also engaged in giving commentary in Tamil during a pre match analysis prior to the start of a test match between India and Sri Lanka in 2017 and in the 2020 Indian Premier League for Star Sports Tamil.{{Cite web|last=Team|first=DNA Web|date=2017-11-29|title=WATCH: When Russell Arnold wowed Ravi Ashwin with his Tamil commentary|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/cricket/report-watch-when-russell-arnold-wowed-ravi-ashwin-with-his-tamil-commentary-2563417|access-date=2021-07-01|website=DNA India|language=en}}{{Cite web|author=Bagawati Prasad|date=26 November 2017|title=India vs Sri Lanka: Arnold sets social media on fire with pitch report in Tamil {{!}} Cricket News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/sri-lanka-in-india/arnold-sets-social-media-on-fire-with-pitch-report-in-tamil/articleshow/61802742.cms|access-date=2021-07-01|website=The Times of India|language=en}}{{Cite web|author=Prasad RS|date=16 September 2020|title=Tamil audience set to be enthralled in IPL-13 {{!}} Cricket News |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/ipl/tamil-audience-set-to-be-enthralled-in-ipl-13/articleshow/78151742.cms|access-date=2021-07-01|website=The Times of India|language=en}}

Following the success of Russel's comic strip "Chilling with Russel" during the Road Safety World Series, he launched his YouTube Channel Talk show alongside friend and Manager Shyam Impett titled "Chilling With Russel" in July 2021.

In August 2021, he was appointed as the mentor of the Northern Rangers PUBG Mobile team for the Gamer.LK's Singer Esports Premier League.{{Cite web|title=Russel Arnold joins Gamer.LK’s SINGER Esports Premier League|url=https://nation.lk/online/russel-arnold-joins-gamer-lk-s-singer-esports-premier-league-111226.html|access-date=2021-08-19|website=Nation Online}}{{Cite web|title=Russel Arnold joins Gamer.LK’s Singer Esports Premier League {{!}} Daily FT|url=https://www.ft.lk/sports/Russel-Arnold-joins-Gamer-LK-s-Singer-Esports-Premier-League/23-721717|access-date=2021-08-19|website=Financial Times.lk|language=English}}

Controversies

During the final of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy which was held in Sri Lanka, Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly became frustrated with Arnold who was seen stepping onto the main danger area of the pitch while batting and Ganguly gave him warning to avoid stepping into the danger area of the pitch.{{Cite web|date=2020-05-14|title=Easy to wind him up: Russel Arnold recalls heated argument with Sourav Ganguly in CT final|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/cricket/russel-arnold-sourav-ganguly-champions-trophy-2002-final-india-vs-sri-lanka-6406635/|access-date=2021-07-01|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}

He along with four Sri Lankan players were banned by Sri Lanka Cricket from taking part in domestic cricket competitions in Sri Lanka after taking part in the unofficial Indian Cricket League in 2007.{{Cite web|title=Sri Lanka lifts domestic ban on ICL players|url=https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sri-lanka-lifts-domestic-ban-on-icl-players-370242|access-date=2021-07-01|work=ESPNcricinfo|language=en}} Russel was alleged that he retired from international cricket in order to play in the Indian Cricket League but he rubbished the claims. A year later in 2008, Sri Lanka Cricket lifted the ban imposed on all five players and they were allowed to return to Sri Lankan domestic cricket circuit.