Sri Lanka ‘A’ team will perform well in Oman, says Avishka

Sri Lanka ‘A ‘ head coach h Avishka Gunawardena did an excellent job by producing good players for the National team during his coaching role with the Sri Lanka A team .This time he accompanied the A team for ACC men’s T -20 Emerging teams Asia Cup cricket tournament in Oman which will commence today

This team is prepared to deliver a commendable performance in this tournament said coach Gunawardena the former Sri Lanka dashing opener . we have a young and talented squad, and we will see how they perform during this tournament.Our initial three matches will be against Afghanistan A Bangladesh A , and Hong Kong while Afghanistan’ A ‘features five national players in their lineup, while Bangladesh A has four, and Hong Kong is represented by their national team and this is a good exposure for Sri Lanka emerging team led by Nuwanidu Fernando . Our team comprises several young players, including five to six under-23 cricketers . I believe this presents a valuable opportunity and significant experience for these youngsters to build up their talent at International level said Gunawardena .

We have good batting lineup but, we do have some deficiencies in bowling despite the talent available. despite the lack of experience, we have a balanced and strong team, and this is an excellent opportunity for our players to compete alongside some of the top players in the world, the coach Avishka said

Meanwhile Sri Lanka’s ‘A’ team skipper Nuwanindu Fernando said he is handling the Sri Lanka A team for the first time . Nuwanidu the top order batter hit 164 recently at NSL limited over tournament always said leadership does not put pressure to play the game . the ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup which is a good opportunity for all our players .

We must have good team work to play this tournament and aim to conclude the tournament on a positive note and my supporting staff headed by Avishka Gunawardena give good support to us

I have got a strong squad. We recently competed against South Africa and performed exceptionally well on their home conditions. The players who participated in that series are also included in this squad, so I am optimistic about our prospects in this tournament said Nuwanidu Fernando the younger brother of National paceman Vishwa Fernando.

The team comprises experienced players such as Sahan Arachchige, Ramesh Mendis, Dushan Hemantha, and Lahiru Udara, all of whom possess experience with the national team and previous ‘A’ teams and it will benefit the team and hope they will get more responsibility during this tour .

The promising all rounder and National under 19 skipper Dinura Kalupahana, Pavan Ratnayake, Ahan Wickramasinghe, Eshan Malinga, Isitha Wijesundara, and dashing opener Yasodha Lanka are also among of the squad.Eshan Malinga recently took part at MRF fast bowling course in Madras .

The former Sri Lanka player and veteran coach Jayantha Seneviratne also is with the team as Manager while fast bowling coach Chamila Gamage and fielding coach Manoj Abeywickrama are assisting the head coach Avishka Gunawardena.

Source:Daily News