Imagine playing cricket in a tropical version of the Scottish Highlands, with abundant bird life, crisp air and jaw dropping views. Then imagine a tasteful modern international stadium, with an imposing grandstand, cricket mad locals and a temperate climate and you have Sri Lanka's newest international stadium, built for the World Cup, but destined to serve her country for the considerable future.

Named after Kandy's favourite son Muttiah Muralitharan, the stadium, which is half an hour's drive from the city, hosted its first international match when the West Indies played here in 2010. Three matches are scheduled for the World Cup, when the world at large can see one of the finest locations for international cricket anywhere in the world.

Intriguingly when Suranga Lakmal dismissed Chris Gayle, with the first ball of the inaugural match, he became the third bowler to take a wicket with the first ball bowled at a venue, following in the distinguished footsteps off Kapil Dev and Imran Khan.