Trial by fire for Sri Lanka ‘A’ against Pakistan ‘A’ quick Naseem Shah

• 1st unofficial four-day test at Pallekele today

Sri Lanka’s ‘A’ team cricketers will face a trial by fire when they come face-to-face with Pakistan ‘A’ teenage tear-away fast bowler Naseem Shah in the first of two four-day unofficial tests beginning at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium today.

Naseem made his Test debut for Pakistan at the age of 16 becoming the ninth-youngest player to do so in November 2019. In only his second Test against Sri Lanka a month later he became the second-youngest bowler to take a five-wicket haul and also the youngest pace bowler to do so.

Naseem, who went wicketless in the first innings conceding 71 runs from 16 overs, distinguished himself in the second innings with figures of 5/31 runs to bowl Pakistan to a comprehensive 263-run win. Amongst Naseem’s five victims were Lasith Embuldeniya and Vishwa Fernando, who are both members of the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad named to play in the present series. Oshada Fernando, who is also a member of the Sri Lankan ‘A’ squad, will have fond memories of Naseem having scored a century (102) against him in that Test.

Apart from Naseem, middle-order batsman Usman Salahuddin is the other cricketer with Test match experience in Pakistan ‘A’ 19-player squad named for the Sri Lanka tour which will comprise of two unofficial tests and three unofficial ODIs. The three ODIs will be played at Dambulla. 

Sri Lanka ‘A’ team Coach Rumesh Ratnayake has a clear insight of Naseem’s capabilities with the ball, having been the Interim Head Coach of the Sri Lanka team on the 2019 tour to Pakistan.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ has named 16 players from their squad strength of 24 for today’s game. The team captained by Test cap Sadeera Samarawickrama has five players with Test experience, with fast bowler Asitha Fernando being the fifth.

The Sri Lanka ‘A’ final 11 will be selected from the following: Sadeera Samarawickrama, Lahiru Udara, Oshada Fernando, Kamil Mishara, Lasith Abeyratne, Sammu Ashan, Nipun Dananjaya, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Himesh Ramanayake, Suminda Lakshan, Duvindu Tillakaratne and Lasith Embuldeniya. – (ST)