Hashan to lead ?

By Sa'adi Thawfeeq

Wednesday 11, February 1998


Hashan Tillekeratne who is struggling for form ahead of next month's cricket tour of South Africa, is expected to lead Sri Lanka 'A' in the third and final unofficial Test against England 'A' beginning at the Moratuwa Stadium Friday.

Since breaking his forearm in the Caribbean last June, Tillekeratne has scored only 154 runs in nine innings (one not out) for his country in Tests and one-day internationals, averaging 19.25.

Last weekend, Tillekeratne hit twin fifties for his club NCC in their Sara trophy game against CCC, but he needs a long knock in the middle to restore his confidence again.

The selectors are also expected to include Pradeep Hewage, the Sri Lanka Under 19 World Cup captain, who missed the Matara 'Test' through injury, and leg-spinner Malinga Bandara and wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardana, two other members of the under 19 team.

There is a likelihood of past Test cricketers like Chandika Hathurusingha and Duleep Samaraweera both of whom have shown good form in the current Sara trophy tournament also being picked.

Pubudu Dasanayake who kept wickets well and scored important runs in the Matara Test has been included along with Jayawardena in the Sri Lanka senior squad preparing for South Africa.

Left-arm spinner Niroshan Bandaratilake, who bowled skilfully at Matara and Don Anurasiri, another left-arm trundler are also new additions to the senior pool. Awards on March 1


Source: The Daily News

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Date-stamped : 11 Feb1998 - 10:19