MCC has awarded former Sri Lanka batsman Mahela Jayawardene Honorary Life Membership of the Club.  

The invitation recognises a stellar 18-year international career in which he played 149 Test matches and scored 11,814 runs at an average of 49.84.

Jaywardene appears on the famous Lord’s Honours Boards twice, having scored 107 and 119 against England in 2002 and 2006 respectively.

He played his final game at Lord's in 2014 during the drawn Test match with England which saw Jayawardene's long term friend and teammates Kumar Sangakkara get his maiden Lord's Test century.

The diminutive batsman - who had a classic style - captained his country 186 times across all formats of the game.

Since his retirement, the Colombo-born player, has taken up a role with England as a batting consultant and recently spent time with Alastair Cook's side in their recent tour of the UAE.

Jayawardene becomes the 14th Sri Lankan to be awarded MCC Honorary Life Membership, joining former teammates Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas on the list.

“It is an honour to be awarded Honorary Life Membership of MCC," the 38-year-old said.

"It's a great Club and I’m privileged to now be a part of it.

"I’ve always enjoyed playing at Lord’s, and the MCC Members have always given me a great reception, so to be given this accolade is extra special.

"The Club does brilliant work both in the UK and overseas and I’m delighted to now be a part of it.”

(lords.org)