Two promising all rounders Nipun Dhananjaya and Dhananjaya Lakshan will lead (four day games and T-20’s) for the forthcoming Sri Lanka Emerging team tour to England which will commence from May 6.
The selectors had an idea to give leadership to Kamindu Mendis for both 4 day games and T-20 games earlier but last moment Mendis got a chance to enter the National Test squad and Nipun Dhananjaya is named for the Emerging team four-day matches while Dhananjaya Lakshan is named for the T-20 games. The England tour consists of three four day games followed by three T-20’s.
According to reliable sources, selectors were named 32 member preliminary emerging cricket squad and it has pruned down to 18 final squad for the England tour. The 21-year-old left hand batter and right arm off spinner Nipun Dhananjaya who was the former National under 19 captain once again get a chance to captain the Emerging team for the three 4 day games. The former St. Joseph's Vaz Wennapuwa all rounder played for Colombo team at the National Super League 4 day tournament came up with a superb knock of 114 against Dambulla team as an opener. He has already played 8 first class matches after leaving the school.
Meanwhile 23-year-old left hand former Richmond College batter and right arm medium fast bowler who led the Galle side during the National super league 4 day cricket tournament had good records as an all rounder in this series. He has scored 290 runs with a century and a half century and took 5 wickets with best figures 3 for 24 in his five matches. He was named Best Emerging Player of the inaugural LPL tournament. The promising all rounder from Colts CC has played a solitary ODI against England with the National team. He played 18 first class matches scoring 859 runs with 2 centuries and 3 half centuries and took 18 wickets. The selection committee has an idea to groom both Nipun Dhananjaya and Dhananjaya Lakshan for the leadership and give this chance to lead the Emerging team to both of them.
Meanwhile Ashen Bandara who played 5 ODI’s and 4 T-20’s is in the 18 member squad while under 19 National skipper Dunith Wellalage, Avhsika Perera the Colts CC opener who was the most successful batter with 663 runs with 2 centuries and 2 fifties at the recently concluded Major clubs Emerging 3 day cricket tournament. Leg spinner Dilum Sudeera who was the highest wicket taker with 52 wickets at the same tournament get a chance to enter the 18 member squad. The young paceman Yasiru Rodrigo, all rounder Manelka de Silva, Avishka Tharindu, Nuwanindu Fernando, Santhush Gunatilleka, openers Lasith Croospulle, Nishan Madushka, fast bowlers Nipun Malinga, Nipun Ransika, Amshi de Silva and off spinner Ashain Daniel and former Debarawewa Central paceman Udith Madushan also included in the 18 member squad for the England tour.
Ruwan Kalpage is the Emerging team head coach while two specialized coaches Malinda Warnapura (batting) and Chamila Gamage (fast bowling) will be accompanied the team for this tour.
The Sri Lanka Emerging cricket team squad for the England tour (subjected to approval from the Sports Minister):
Nipun Dhananjaya (Captain 4-day games), Dhananjaya Lakshan (Captain- T-20 games), Lasith Croosepulle, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Ashen Bandara, Avishka Tharindu, Avishka Perera , Dunith Wellalage, Santhusah Gunatilleka, Amshi de Silva, Nipun Malinga, Udith Madushan, Nipun Ransika, Dilum Sudeera, Ashian Daniel, Manelka de Silva, Yasiru Rodrigo. Team Manager: Vinothen John.
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