Last night, we had an end of tour prize-giving ceremony. It was a chance to say a warm thank you to Tikeri, Saman and Praem - our invaluable guide, assistant and driver - as well as handing out inflatable ducks to three who struggled with the bat at some point on tour... As a final treat, Russell Arnold addressed the group. The ex-Sri Lankan international and current Sky commentator was staying at our hotel, commuting to nearby Galle for the first test between Sri Lanka and South Africa. He encouraged the students to see cricket as a way of life, reminding them that "a good person makes a better cricketer; a good cricketer does not necessarily make a better person." The tour party concluded with a rousing rendition of the much-loved local classic "No Bananas Today", with support from the hotel band, culminating in a conga march around the pool area.
A few final facts and figures:
9 - highest number of wickets taken on tour: Harjeet Ahluwalia.
219 - most runs scored on tour: Zakhir Tunda (43.8 average).
3-22 - best bowling figures in a single innings: Hari Badale.
0 - number of hairs on his head: Angus Lintern.
162 - highest number of balls bowled on tour: Peter McClaughlan.
7,214 - cumulative number of minutes late from messrs Carson, Ginty and Pickering.
4 - Number of languages spoken by our legendary local guide Tikeri (including Swedish).
Most improved player: Shakeel Khurshid.
Best tourist: Hamish Watson.
Excellent captaincy (on and off the field): Hari Badale (Badale).
17 - toys thrown out of the pram by Savage.
2 - eruptions from Mount Tunda.
63 - nominations for Louis Pieris to wear the pink shirt.
Biggest war-wound - Kelvin "Killer" Brenner.
0 - number of bananas today.
It's been a pleasure; have a great summer all.
