A season of learning for Lumbini
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Shehan Shashika (Capt)
his year around in the schools first XI season, Lumbini College Colombo are in the process of team building. After six matches they are sans a win but according to their coach, Dinesh Weerasinghe, Lumbini has all the possibility of transforming into a top-notch side in another year or two. But that does not make them a weak side.
Lumbini has a blend of young and well-balanced cricketers, making them a decent side in the ongoing schools first XI cricket season. The side has six seniors, with skipper Shehan Sashrika and his deputy, Rafan Mannan, being the top two. The other seniors are Chamara Nishantha, Janith Dias, Tharushan Gayantha and Jammila
Rafan Mannan
Darani, all of whom are allrounders. This season they are set to play a total of 16 games, the same amount as last season, but Weerasinghe and his set of boys are well aware of their present position.
Last season Lumbini recorded three wins and three losses. However, this year their ambition is not solely about winning. With a young team that can move ahead for a couple of seasons, Lumbini is certainly aiming to gel together by next season. Weerasinghe’s goal is to make this bunch of youngsters the strongest school cricket team by 2014. By then the present team will still remain, except for their skipper and his deputy.
This season Lumbini’s mission is to keep the momentum going while brushing up the youthful talent of their cricketers, who are still capable of producing the goods. Among the frontrunners for this season are skipper Shashika, who is also the stumper of the side, deputy Mannan, Chamara Nishantha and Tharushan Gayantha, who
Chamara Nishantha
are capable allrounders and top batsmen. Others who could muster big scores are Janith Dias and Under-15 skipper Mohamed Akram. Lumbini’s spin attack is stronger than their pace arsenal. Leg-spinner Gayantha and off-spinner Akram are their leading wicket-takers. Assisting them, Lumbini has a variety of spinners in Dias, Nishantha, Darani, Madushan Thiwanka and Thanuka Madushan. The pace attack is led by Vasana Madushanka with the capable support of Sajith Sankalpa, Mannan and Sasanka Nadeesha.
At present Lumbini’s cricketers are going through a tough period with few facilities despite the ardent support of the school officials. Venues such as Colts and BRC have been kind to them by providing training and playing facilities. With what is available, Lumbini hopes to be among the top schools this season on their way to being the best side in a couple of seasons. – NA
Lumbini College cricket squad – 2013
| Player | Batting style | Bowling style |
| Shehan Shashika (Capt) | Right hand | Wicketkeeper |
| Rafan Mannan (VC) | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Chamara Nishantha | Right hand | Right-arm off-spin |
| Vasana Madushanka | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Tharushan Gayantha | Left hand | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Mohamed Akram | Right hand | Right-arm off-spin |
| Janith Dias | Right hand | Left-arm leg-spin |
| Sajith Sankalpa | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Jammika Darani | Left hand | Right-arm off-spin |
| Madushan Thiwanka | Right hand | Right-arm off-spin |
| Thanuka Madushan | Left hand | Right-arm off-spin |
| Sasanka Nadeesha | Left hand | Right-arm fast |
| Nisal Chamupathi | Right hand | Right-arm fast |
| Charith Mihiranga | Left hand | Right-arm fast |
| Thushan Ranasinghe | Right hand | Right-arm leg-spin |
| Vimukthi Ellegoda | Left hand | Right-arm fast |
| Officials: Dinesh Weerasinghe (Coach) | ||
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