The Sri Lanka Emerging Team led by Charith Asalanka, will take wing to Bangladesh today Friday August 16 for three ODI’s and two four-day unofficial test matches against the Bangladesh Emerging Team.
At yesterday’s media briefing at the Sri Lanka Cricket auditorium, Coach Chaminda Vaas said, “The Sri Lanka Emerging ODI and Test teams are two pretty good sides. The boys have played pretty well and particularly showcased their talents winning the ODI series in South Africa convincingly.”
The former Sri Lanka pace bowling legend added that there were a few good youngsters who were good future prospects while both 15-member squads contained promising talent overall. “The Bangladesh tour is a challenge for the Sri Lanka players to do well,” Vaas quipped.
Meanwhile, Manager Chaminda Mendis said that this was the second tour undertaken by the Sri Lanka Emerging ODI and Test teams.
“The idea is to evolve more and more players for the future. It is a stepping stone for young players to showcase their skills and it will give them maximum exposure.
He added that Wanidu Hasaranga, who played in the recent final home ODI for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh, making it with the SL Emerging Team did not mean that he would not be considered for the T20 series against New Zealand. “He will be back with more exposure and will be in contention for selection for the T20 series against New Zealand,” Mendis said.
Skipper Charith Asalanka said, “Bangladesh is a strong team especially playing in their own country. But we are brimming with confidence. We won the ODI series in South Africa and showed that we are a formidable side, and expect to perform big in Bangladesh on behalf of our country”
Sri Lanka Emerging Team One-Day Squad:
Charith Asalanka (Capt.), Sandun Weerakkody, Hasitha Boyagoda, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Ashen Bandara, Minod Bhanuka, Shammu Ashan, Amila Aponso, Ramesh Mendis, Kalana Perera, Jehan Daniel, Nuwan Thushara, Shiran Fernando, Wanidu Hasaranga.
Sri Lanka Emerging Team Test Squad:
Charith Asalanka (Capt.), Lahiru Udana, Sangeeth Cooray, Pathum Nissanka, Pramod Maduwantha, Minod Bhanuka, Ramesh Mendis, Jehan Daniel,Kalana Perera, Amila Aponso, Nishan Peiris, Mohamed Shiraz, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Ashen Bandara.
By Srian Obeyesekere
-The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Sri Lanka Cricket-
