Unofficial ODI series throws out challenges for places to NZ

 Angelo Mathews with Sri Lanka ‘A’ head coach Avishka Gunawardene during practices at the R. Premadasa Stadium

Avishka Fernando batting in the nets

Praveen Jayawickrama bowling at practice

• Sri Lanka ‘A’ v England Lions commences at R. Premadasa Stadium today

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

Sri Lanka’s wobbly middle order in ODIs has opened avenues for seasoned players to stake a claim and get into the national team for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand next month as well as the 50-over World Cup that will take place in India in October.

In this aspect the three-match unofficial ODI series between Sri Lanka ‘A’ and touring England Lions commencing at the R. Premadasa Stadium today will be of significance to players like veteran cricketer and former national captain Angelo Mathews, middle order bat and wicket-keeper Sadeera Samarawickrama who will captain the side, opening bat Avishka Fernando, all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne and left-arm spinner Praveen Jayawickrama.

Fernando returned to international competitive cricket last month in the white ball series against India following surgery to his knee. 

“The selectors want Avishka back in form, and it’s a test for Angelo for he hasn’t played international ODI cricket in one and a half years. It’s more like a practice game and a test for him. It’s a good opportunity for Sadeera, Sahan Arachchige to make a mark and for Angelo to make a comeback,” said Sri Lanka ‘A’ team Coach Avishka Gunawardene. 

“The concern is in the middle order. From the national interest point of view the middle order will be the one that they are looking at. Our top order in the national team has not been too bad, but it’s the middle order that has been struggling. I am sure the selectors will keep an eye on it.”

Speaking further Gunawardene said: “Praveen Jayawickrama hasn’t played a game for Sri Lanka for a very long time although he has been with the team (his last ODI appearance was in September 2021). It’s a good opportunity for him also. 

“The selectors want Chamika to bat at number seven. They are probably looking at a combination. If they can get him to bat in that position and he comes good it opens up options for the national team. Otherwise, we are looking at the other guys to perform and try to be the next one to be a replacement in the national team.”

“The bowling for New Zealand will be more seam based, that is why they want Chamika to play in this game. They also want to have a look at Milan Ratnayake, who will probably travel with the Test team. They want him to play a couple of white ball games. He is playing his first ‘A’ team game, other than that he has played some club cricket. It will be good for him for he will be tested at this level. “He has decent pace, up there at 135 plus and a good thing is he gets a bit of bounce. When it comes to ability, he has the height and is a decent fielder for a fast bowler. He has all those things to get picked. It’s just that he needs to play games at this level to get some experience.”  

The match will also be a good test for fast bowler Pramod Madushan who is returning after injury to stake a claim for a place in the national side.

The last time Sri Lanka ‘A’ and England Lions met in an unofficial ODI series in March 2017, Sri Lanka ‘A’ won the five-match series 3-2. Since then Sri Lanka ‘A’ has drawn 1-1 with West Indies ‘A’ and Bangladesh ‘A’, beaten Ireland ‘A’ 5-0, drawn 2-2 with India ‘A’, lost to Pakistan Shaheens 0-1 and drawn 1-1 with Australia ‘A’.  

SRI LANKA ‘A’ SQUAD FOR 1ST UNOFFICIAL ODI

Avishka Fernando, Lasith Croospulle, Nuwanidu Fernando, Angelo Mat-hews, Sadeera Samara-wickrama, (captain/wk), Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne, Praveen Jayawickrama, Pramod Madushan, Dushan Hemantha, Milan Ratnayake, Kavishka Anjula, Lahiru Udara, Nipun Dananjaya and Suminda Lakshan.