Lasith Malinga the strategic bowling coach of Sri Lanka white ball team gave a surprise gift to the youngest player of the side 19 year old Dunith Wellalage. the leg spinner and useful middle order batter who really performed well during his debut ODI series against Australia which ended in a historic 3-2 series win after 30 years for Sri Lanka.
Malinga the most experienced white ball format paceman said I promised to give a surprise gift to young Wellalage. who did really well in his debut ODI series against Australia in which he ended as the highest wicket taker of the tournament with nine wickets and best figures of 3 for 42 in the last ODI .
Actually Dimuth showed his commitment throughout the series .His bowling , fielding and even the batting was excellent at his age added Malinga.Sri Lanka team recorded the last Australia
series win in 1992 under the leadership of great Arjuna Ranatunga and today our team got this victory after 30 years and I was lucky to give my service as a fast bowling strategy coach which I really enjoyed and now my duty is over but as the players you have to go a long way said Malinga .
Malinga recalled his debut test match against Australia in Darwin in 2004 which Sri Lanka lost .But at that time Wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist presented a stump to me as a souvenir and upto date I really preserve my all cricket souvenirs such as balls , bats, , cricket boots ,T shirts and etc .After 18 years of my International cricket career these souvenirs are very important and that makes all my memories said Malinga.
Malinga further said Dunith you have a good future .Your debut ODI was at Pallekele International cricket stadium where Sri Lanka lost the game .However I have realized the importance of debut gift as a surprise souvenir
.Here is the ball used in your debut ODI game at Pallekele.I wrote the date and venue on this ball when you got the debut wicket of world class batsman Steve Smith .I think you know Smith’ s ability as an excellent batter in all formats .This ball also includes Smith signature as well as Australian skipper Aaron Finchs signature .
Not only that the umpire who officiated at that game none other than our 1996 world cup winning team player Kumar Dharmasena and other on field umpire Ravindra Wimalasiris signatures are also on this ball .I think this is a good souvenir for you and after 15 to,20 years you will realise the value of this surprise gift added Malinga .
After this speech Malinga handed over his surprise gift to Dunith Wellalage at the players dressing room at the R.Premadasa International cricket stadium. The Sri Lankan team players , supporting staff and Manager Mahinda Halangoda were present on this occasion.
Add new comment