Arnold began his Test career as an opener alongwith Sanath Jayasuriya. A tall, angular left-hander and a patient accumulator but despite some good scores then he lost out to Marvan Atapattu as Sanath Jayasuriya’s partner and was recalled for the Asian Test Championship two years later. Short of runs by late 2000, he dropped into the lower middle order. Jayasuriya gave Arnold another chance at the top of the order in 2002 and he did not disappoint, scoring 62 and 109 in a valiant rearguard at Old Trafford. Failure in the subsequent series that followed left him on the sidelines for long periods after the 2003 World Cup. Arnold made his way back into the team for the home series against Australia. But, despite making 51 runs not out in his last ODI against Zimbabwe he was dropped from the ODI and Test team in July 2004.
The Ashantha de Mel selection committee wanted to introduce young blood, new talent and Arnold’s future looked bleak for some time. But Arnold worked furiously very hard on his game in the nets practices and started to score heavily in domestic cricket. Finally, with his replacements failing to impress the selectors he won a recall for the New Zealand tour in December 2004. However, pressure from the younger brigade likes Tillakaratne Dilshan – left him fighting for his place. His Test match playing role went first but after a poor tour of England in 2006 following some promising efforts in Australia he was still dumped from Sri Lanka team. But his experience could never be discounted in major tournaments and he fought back his spot in the 2007 World Cup squad. Arnold’s ability to adapt his game to the situation makes him an ideal member in limited overs cricket.
His unselfish approach explains the high-esteem in which he is held by teammates. A cool head under pressure helps when chasing runs and he adds great value in field and is considered as safe pair of hands. If need be he can also bowl useful offbreaks.
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