Sri Lankan batsman Roshen Silva turns a year older on Sunday. Born on November 17, 1988, the cricketer rings his 31st birthday. The right-handed batsman is generally known for his ability to score big in red-ball cricket and is a regular member of the Test squad. Silva might not be as gifted as many of his contemporaries but his determination and mental grit can certainly give a tough time to the bowlers. The batsman has been piling a mountain of runs in domestic cricket and now will aim to replicate his heroics at the international level as well.

"Better late than never" was the success mantra of the batsman as he had to wait a long time to get a national call-up. In December 2017, Silva got his maiden cap in the third Test of India Tour. He immediately made an impact by registering a gritty half-century on debut. Since then, the veteran hasn't looked back and played many more magnificent knocks for his side. And, on the occasion of his 31st birthday, we'll look at some of his such brilliant performances.

74* Against India in Delhi

As mentioned above, Silva displayed his potential on debut only. After bagging a duck in Sri Lanka's first innings, the batsman made a perfect bounceback and played a match-saving knock. In the last innings of the match, Sri Lanka had to bat the entire fifth day in order to save the Test match. The ask was big but the debutant rose to the occasion and played an unbeaten innings of 74 runs. His effort help Sri Lanka to draw the encounter.

85 Against England in Pallekele

The second Test of England's 2018 Tour of Sri Lanka was another occasion where Silva showcased his potential. In reply to England's first innings total of 290 runs, the hosts' top order tumbled and Silva came into bat at number five. He brilliantly tackled the English spinners and played a resilient knock. The batsman scored 85 and his side to a total of 336 runs. Unfortunately, his effort went in vain as England made a solid fightback and clinched the match by 57 runs.

109 Against Bangladesh in Chattogram

His maiden Test hundred came against Bangladesh in the first Test of Sri Lanka's 2018 Tour. The Bangla Tigers made an impeccable start to the match by posting 513 in the first innings. However, the Lankan batsman didn't put their guards down and toiled the home side. Silva, who came in to bat at number four, brilliantly capitalized on the start and scored a magnificent ton. Eventually, Sri Lanka made 713 runs in the second innings of the match. However, the match resulted in a draw.

56 & 70* Against Bangladesh in Dhaka

Fresh from his first Test hundred, Silva continued his good run in the second and final match of the series. On a tricky Dhaka wicket, the right-handed batsman came into bat after the top-order collapsed. Despite the unfavourable circumstances, Silva scored a valiant half-century as Lankans posted 222 runs in first innings. In his side's second innings, Silva came to bat at a similar situation and the veteran again came to his team's rescue. This time he made an unbeaten 70 and guide his team to 226 runs. In reply, the hosts were dismissed for 123 runs and lost the match by 215 runs.

With the ICC World Test Championship going on, Silva will have a role to play and his performance will also be critical to his side's success. Sri Lanka's next assignment with the red cherry will go underway when they will tour Pakistan for a two-match Test series.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 17, 2019 08:34 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).