Sri Lanka newest batting prodigy Sadeera Samarawickrama is all set to open the innings along with seasoned Dimuth Karunaratne in the first test against India at Iconic Eden Garden, Kolkata, Cricket Age learns.
Sadeera opened the inning in a practice match, started yesterday and grabbed the opportunity with both hands, with a stroke-filled 74 off 77 balls and shared a 133-run stand with Karunaratne.
“With a scintillating knock, he sealed opening slot. He will be the opening partner of Dimuth in the first test” a Team Official told Cricket Age.
During his stroke-filled innings, Sadeera showed promise with fluent shots all around at the Jadavpur University second campus ground in Saltlake.
Sadeera, who made his Test debut in the second and final Test against Pakistan in Dubai last month, faced the first delivery and showed his positive intent with a fluent off-drive. He looked exquisite with his strokemaking as he drove and cut with equal ease.
His footwork against the spinners was most impressive. He was not afraid to step out to Board’s spin duo of Jalaj Saxena and Akash Bhandari and completed his fifty off 46 balls, while his senior opening partner Karunaratne got to the mark in 62 balls before getting retired in the 23rd over.
