By Dhammika Ratnaweera
The promising all-rounder Charith Asalanka once again appointed captain of Sri Lanka emerging team for the forthcoming South African series. Asalanka, a 21-year-old SSC player, is making a come back to the International cricket after six months period. He was appointed Captain of the Sri Lankan emerging team for the last Asian cricket council emerging team cup tournament and the very first match against Oman Asalanka was retired hurt after a leg injury during the batting . The former Richmond and National under 19 skipper was also named Observer best schoolboy cricketer twice in 2016, 2017.
He had to face surgery and out of the field to recover his leg injury. Once again he got chance to do the leadership for the emerging team in this South African series which consist of seven one day games and two flour day games. This series is very vital for the emerging team and all of them are waiting to select the National side. Chaminda Vaas the former Sri Lankan champion paceman was appointed the first time as the coach for the emerging team.
Asalanka said the team got good practice under the guidance to Chaminda Vaas. I had to wait some time with my leg injury and I must thank doctors and physiotherapist to give all assistance to recover my injury added Asalanka. Selectors named well-balanced team for the emerging side. Some players are already in India for the Sri Lankan ‘A’ tour while leg spinner Lasith Embuldeniya who got finger injury during the last South African test series once again named for the four-day team with former Peterite off-spinner Nishan Pieris. Asalanka himself also a useful off-spinner has good chance to bowl during this series.
Former Royal skipper Chamika Karunaratna who already took test status with playing last Australia series named for both one day and four-day team. Karunaratna took five wickets haul against India ‘A team to earned man of the match award in their first winning one day against India ‘A .S. Thomas Mt Lavinia paceman Kalana Perera also named for the emerging side. Pattum Nissanka the prolific scorer of NCC named for the Sri Lanka ‘A in their India ‘A series was not up to the expectations once again recall for this emerging team while Kamindu Mendis, opener Sangeeth Cooray and paceman Asitha Fernando also in Sri Lanka ‘A’ team named for the emerging team once again to give much exposure. CCC wicket-keeper batsman Mithun Bhanuka also get chance to play both one day and four day matches on South Africa wickets. Dilshan Madushanka the 19-year-old paceman from Hungama Vijayaba MV also named the one-day squad.
This is a very good opportunity for Sri Lanka emerging players to get more experience on South Africa wickets and Chaminda Vaas the head coach for the emerging team first time expected to get successful results with his balanced side.
Sri Lanka emerging team will commence their first one day match on 29th June against South African emerging team at theGroenkloof Oval grounds followed by six more one days and tournament finished with two four day games which will commence from 18 to 21 July at Senwes Park and final four day 25th 28 TH July at Tuks Oval grounds .
Sri Lankan emerging team squad for the one day games
Sandun Weerakkody, Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka, Charith Asalanka – (Captain), Shammu Ashan, Kamindu Mendis, Ashen Bandara, Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando, Kalana Perera, Dilshan Madushanka,Lahiru Madushanka, Amila Aponsu, Ramesh Mendis, Sangeeth Cooray
Sri Lanka emerging team squad for the four day games
Lahiru Udara,Hasitha Boyagoda,Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka,Charith Asalanka(Captain), Kamindu Mendis,Chamika Karunaratne,Asitha Fernando,Kalana Perera,Mohamed Shiraz,Jehan Daniel,Lasith Embuldeniya,Nishan Peiris,Promod Maduwantha,Ashen Bandara
Be the first to comment