Surprise inclusion of Santush Gunathilika as a backup Opener and The more surprise exclusion of allrounder Ayana Siriwardana has become the talking point in Sri Lanka Cricket, as soon as the U19 squad for the next year world cup leaked, even though selectors are yet to announce it officially.
Santush, though, was the part of the Sri Lanka U19 team that toured india last week, but he couldn’t impress on given chances. He didn’t play in the first match and opened and failed Against India Blue. Only in the match against India Red, he impressed, where he stroked 80, batting at number three.
Though, he failed again in the final, batting at same position. The mysterious thing is that he has been selected as a backup opener for the U19 World Cup, however Team management tried him as a opener just once in four matches during the challenger trophy in India.
The exclusion of Ayana Siriwardana is more surprising, given the fact that he was the captain for the challenger trophy in India.
A off Spinning allrounder, presently captain of Isipathana College, he was the best player from his side in the tournament. He smashed a whirlwind 59 in the first match, with five towering sixes. He was impressive with bowling as well, picked four wicket Two times, including the final.
