By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Nipun Dhananjaya from Joseph Vaz College Wennapuwa once again will lead the Sri Lankan under 19 team against the visiting Australian counterparts in their home series which will commence tomorrow (3) at the Sara Stadium. The 18 year old all roall-rounder had proved good leadership qualities during the recently concluded Bangladesh under 19 series in Sri Lanka.
Former test captain Hashan Tillekaratna, the head coach of the National under 19 side said this Australian series is going to be a very tough series but they are confident of facing well as they had got a well balanced side. “We had good training sessions at home while played few practice matches at the BRC grounds. We did regular tanning sessions at R. Premadasa Stadium and also work at the nets at the Max cricket academy.” explained Tillakeratne that his team had done the necessary groundwork to go and meet tough counterparts. The team is also assisted by former pacie Chaminda Vaas as the fast bowling coach and Upul Chandana as a the fielding coach. Former fast bowler Ruchira Perera too is with the coaching staff while Dharshana Weerasinghe acts as the pphysiotherapist withthe team.
“£We are focusing next year Under 19 world cup which scheduled to be held in South Africa. Our aim is to build up the good team to the next under 19 world cup and this type of series are more important for the youngsters to grow up with experience” said Tillekaratna.
Navod Paranawithna and Sonal Dinusha would be the two stylish batsmen of the team who had done well during the last Bangladesh series while some players who were not at the last Bangladesh series were included this team based on their recent performances. Two Richmondites Thaveesha Abhishek and Dilum Sudeera had strengthened the spin department as all rounders and Ashen Daniel of St Josephs Colombo have been selected this time while Nalandian Chamidu Wijesinghe with add the quickfire to the squad .
Sports Minister Harin Fernando has approved the 15 member under 19 team for this Australian series.
Nipun Dananjaya –( Captain),,Kamil Mishara, Sonal Dinusha, Ashian Angelo Daniel, Rohan Sanjaya, Praveen Nimesh De Silva, Avishka Tharindu, Dilum Sudeera Thilakaratne ,Kavishka Lakshan, Chamindu Piyamal Wijesinghe, Thaveesha Abhishek Dilshan Madushanka, Navod Paranavithana,Mohamed Samaaz,Raveen de Silva. Hashan Tillekaratna(Head coach) Chanminda Vaas (Fast bowling coach}, Upul Chandana(fielding coach),
Be the first to comment