Afghanistan ‘A’ cricket team will arrive today) to take part in the five one day games and a four day game against Sri Lanka ‘A’ cricket team.
The one day games will be played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium Hambantota on April 28, 30 and May 3, 5 and 7as day games while the only four day game will be played at the P. Sara Oval Stadium from May 11 to 14.
Meanwhile, the National Selection committee headed by Upul Tharanga already named Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad but it has to be approved by the Sports Minister. All rounder Sahan Arachchige from NCC has been named as Sri Lanka ‘A’ skipper while few other National players also among the squad and selectors are looking to give more exposure for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ players. Especially Minod Bhanuka, Wanuja Sahan, Ahan Wickramasinghe and Pavan Ratnayaka are also in the squad. The left hand batter and off spinner Sahan Arachchige already played five ODI’s and a 1 T-20 International
Afghanistan ‘A’ squad also has few National players and they are expected to go to Hambantota today for the training session before the ODI series which will commence on 28th.
Meanwhile Avishka Gunawardena has been appointed as Sri Lanka A coach for this Afghanistan A cricket series but his former Assistant coach has been appointed batting specialist coach for the National side.
HPC head Jerome Jayaratne starts his new role
Jerome Jayaratne
The new Head of the High Performance Centre (HPC)Jerome Jayaratne already started his duties and there are few changes Anusha Samaranayake as the National team fast bowling coach, Ruwan Kalpage who was earlier National emerging team coach appointed as High Performance Center Director Cricket. Former Pakistan fast bowler Aqib Javed already with the National team as the fast bowling consultant until the T-20 World Cup.
Former National under 19 head coach Jehan Mubarak got a new role of Emerging and Development Squads Head. The present National team Assistant coach and batting coach service were not renewed but National team head coach Chris Silverwood service has extended the contract till the end of July (up to next T-20 World Cup).
Former Sri Lanka skipper Master Blaster Sanath Jayasuriya also continues as Consultant of the High Performance Centre.
Dhammika Ratnaweera