Getting more overseas tours is vital, says Avishka

“Getting more overseas tours for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team is vital for youngsters,” said Sri Lanka ‘A’ team head coach Avishka Gunawardena before their departure for the Pakistan tour yesterday.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ team recently toured South Africa and participated in the ACC Emerging Asia Cup tournament in Oman, both of which ended successfully. Our players gained experience and had a good chance to adjust to different conditions. Credit should go to Sri Lanka Cricket for organising these types of tours, said Avishka Gunawardena.

“In the past, most Sri Lanka ‘A’ matches were played in home conditions, but these players are now expected to reach international level, so they must adjust to various conditions, and Sri Lanka ‘A’ tours give much-needed exposure. The average age of the Sri Lanka players is 23 to 24 years, with six to seven players under 24, and this time we have two players under 19 and 20 for the long-term process. Additionally, we have appointed two separate captains: Pasindu Sooriyabandara for the four-day squad and Nuwanidu Fernando for the ODIs. Lahiru Udara, Eshan Malinga, and Nuwanidu Fernando have also been named as standby players for the New Zealand white-ball home series and will join the Sri Lanka ‘A’ ODI matches. I’m proud that recent Sri Lanka ‘A’ performances have led to 3-4 players joining the national team. While we aim to win, our priority is gaining valuable experience,” said Avishka.

“We have more cricket for the Sri Lanka ‘A’ players at domestic level, and they want more matches before entering the national level. The players are busy with their preparation, and they have to work harder on these types of tours than for home series. The Sri Lanka ‘A’ team recently won both the four-day and ODI series in South Africa, showing good performance and fighting spirit. On the last tour in Oman, the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team finished as runners-up at the ACC Emerging Asia Cup, and most of the players are retained for this Pakistan tour. Nisala Tharaka and Vishwa Fernando for the four-day squad and Dilshan Madushanka for the ODI squad, were with the national team in their last series. Under-19 players Pulindu Perera and Dinura Kalupahana are also in the squad to gain valuable experience. Most players in the squad will get a chance to play in Sri Lanka ‘A’ matches to build their match experience. Manoj Abeywickrama, the fielding coach, and Chamila Gamage, the bowling coach, will accompany the Sri Lanka ‘A’ team’s support staff, while Vinodhan John is the manager for this tour.”

Sri Lanka ‘A ‘ team is scheduled to play two four-day games from November 11-14 and November18-21 followed by three ODI matches on 25, 27, 29 during this Pakistan ‘A’ tour while all the matches will be played at the same venue Islamabad Club grounds.

Sri Lanka A’ four day squad: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (Capt), Nipun Dhananjaya, Oshada Fernando, Pulindu Perera, Pavan Rathnayake, Sonal Dinusha, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Vishad Randika, Wanuja Sahan, Vishwa Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara, Chamika Gunasekara, Nisala Tharaka, Ashian Daniel, Dinura Kalupahana.

Sri Lanka ‘A’ ODI squad: Nuwanidu Fernando (Capt)Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Sonal Dinusha, Dinura Kalupahana, Dushan Hemantha, Kavindu Nadeeshan, Wanuja Sahan, Eshan Malinga, Dilshan Madushanka, Nipun Ransika.