Sri Lanka ‘A’ coach, Romesh Kaluwitharana speaking to the Sunday Times on the forthcoming series against England ‘A’ emphasised the need of exposure for the players who are expected to fit into the national side. He said while preparing the Sri Lanka ‘A’ side which is relatively stronger than before with a batch of 10 national players will take on England ‘A’ in a bilateral ODI series consisting five matches beginning from January 27.
 |
| Thilina Kandamby has been entrusted with the leadership role. |
“This series is played on home soil and much will be anticipated from the local cricket fans as we play at three different venues in the country. We have always made it a point to plan the games aiming to win as end of the day it’s an encounter. But from another aspect Sri Lanka ‘A’ is all about grooming players to the national team,” Kaluwitharana said.
The second string outfit of the Sri Lanka cricket team were inspiring during their previous two outings in England and Australia where notable performances came out from players. Up to 13 players were elevated to the national side during the past two years while during South Africa’s ongoing ODI series against Sri Lanka in the African country, they added another elk from the young bunch. But against the England ‘A’, the Sri Lanka ‘A’ side has included up to 10 players in the squad who has represented the country in Tests or ODIs. Kaluwitharana pointed out the importance the having these players intact with a second string outfit to void certain slots that may suddenly arise in the senior team.
“The purpose of maintaining a Sri Lanka ‘A’ team is to develop the skills of promising cricketers who may reach the top. But at the same time players who were once dominant in the international scene and now not in good shape too should be given a second chance. All depends on their performances in the domestic tournaments and the consistency in their respective roles. If the national team needs a proper replacement, the Sri Lanka ‘A’ side should have the backing. It’s important to have that balance so those who do not have a permanent place and do not fare in the top team will have the opportunity to restore their position,” he added.
For the first three games Sri Lanka ‘A’ will be led by Thilina Kandamby and Dimuth Karunaratne will act as his deputy. With the Sri Lanka seniors not faring well in South Africa, the new national selectors will have the liberty to pick certain replacements for the upcoming Triangular ODI Series which features India and hosts Australia in the coming month. After Sri Lanka cricket team’s thrashing in South Africa possible openings will be on offer for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ cricketers. But it will be up to the national discards and promising youngsters to let action speak during the opportunities they get against the England ‘A’.
“This tour will be important for the players to dish out their performance and impress the selectors. I hope a few from the bunch could make it to the top,” was Kaluwitharana’s wish.
Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad: Thilina Kandamby (Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne (Vice Captain), Mahela Udawatta, Danushka Gunathilake, Banuka Rajapaksa, Kusal Janith, Farveez Maharoof, Malitha Warnapura, Ashan Priyanjana, Angelo Perera, Kanishka Elvitigala, Thilina Thushara, Tharanga Lakshitha, Nuwan Pradeep, Suraj Randiv, Seekkuge Prasanna, Malinga Bandara, Sajeeva Weerakoon, Sachith Pathirana.
England ‘A’ squad: James Taylor, Jonny Bairstow, Scott Borthwick, Danny Briggs, Jack Brooks, Nathan Buck, Jos Buttler, Jade Dernbach, Alex Hales, Craig Kieswetter, Stuart Meaker, Samit Patel, Joe Root, James Vince, Chris Woakes.
Match schedule:
January 27: 1st ODI at Rangiri Dambulla ICS
January 29: 2nd ODI at Rangiri Dambulla ICS
January 31: 3rd ODI at Welagedara Stadium, Kurunegala
February 3: 4th ODI at R. Premadasa ICS, Colombo
February 6: 5th ODI at R. Premadasa ICS, Colombo
 |
| Sri Lanka ‘A’ cricketers gearing up to win a place in the big team. (Pix by Amila Prabodha) |
|
E-mail
