In a bold move, Sri Lanka have included two Under-19 players – left arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka and wrist spinner Kavindu Nadeeshan – in the President XI squad for the two practice games against touring West Indies, Cricket Age reliably learns. Veteran Upul Tharanga has been names as the captain of the side, while international players like Sandun Weerakkody, Angelo Perera, Ashela Gunaratne have also been given another chance to stake their claim for national recall.
Madushanka who hails from Vijayaba National School, Hungama ended the 2020 U19 World Cup as the 5th highest wicket taker of the tournament while Nadeeshan picked up 18 wickets in Sri Lanka U19s Caribbean tour just before the World Cup, becoming the tournament’s best bowler.
Asitha Fernando will lead the fast bowling attack, while three wrist spinners; Pulina Tharanga, Sachindu Colombage and Kavindu Nadeeshan have also been included in the team apart from the off spinner Tharindu Kaushal.
Board President’s XI Squad:
Upul Tharanga (C), Sandun Weerakkody, Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Angelo Perera, Ashen Bandara, Asitha Fernando, Shiran Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Chamika Gunasekara, Pulina Tharanga, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Sachindu Colombage, Tharindu Kaushal
Two practice matches will be held at P Sara Oval and Katunayake on 17th and 20th February.
Schedule
1st Practice match – SLCBXI vs Windians – 17th February – P Sara Oval
2nd Practice match – SLCBXI vs Windians – 20th February – FTZ Sports Complex, Katunayake
