At 28, Roshen Silva first class career is nothing less than extraordinary! Ever since his FC debut in, he was always amongst top five run getters of the year.
Look at this comparison! Lahiru Thirimane, whom entire Sri Lanka is rooting to succeed in test cricket and believes that he is the successor of Legendary Kumar Sangakkara, averages 38.65 in his FC career. Kaushal Silva, a batsman who gives an indication that he is born to play test cricket with his unmatched (and irritating too) patience in leaving hundreds of ball untouched, averages 44.92 in his FC career.
Roshen Silva has the first class average of 48.19 with 18 hundreds and a top score of 225 not out!
Still, his wait for a much deserved rest debut seems a distant thing!
After long years of complete ignorance from all the selectors, he finally pushed himself for a Maiden national call up against Australia in 2016. But unfortunately for him, there were no place for him, as Sri Lanka whitewashed Aussies in a three match test series!
After that, as usually, he had been thrown out again. There were tests with lower ranked teams like Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, but his chance didn’t come.
Surprisingly, right after that historic series win against Australia in 2016, Sri Lanka team has continually been plagued with injuries of key players. Angelo Mathews didn’t play against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. Asela Gunaratne forced to bow out with a fractured thumb during the first test against India.
Still, Roshen Silva, a player with a FC average of 48, didn’t get a chance. Just one chance to prove himself that he belongs to international cricket!
Between, Sri Lanka once again recalled Lahiru Thirimane for test team as well, and he has made nine runs in two innings of first test against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi.
Sri Lanka also recalled Kaushal Silva and he made painful 37 runs in 182 balls.
In second test, as Lahiru Thirimane ruled out with back stiffness, Sri Lanka debuted Sadeera Samarwikrama. A 22 year old right handed batsman, he has been a revelation in Sri Lanka domestic cricket in last two seasons.
But, Roshen Silva is still waiting….
