Angelo Perera - the elegant run machine
Former St. Peter's College skipper Angelo Perera has been one of the most consistent batsmen in the 1st Class arena, in recent times. In the past few weeks, he has scored twin double hundreds in the Super 8 matches of the Sri Lanka Cricket Premier League Tournament. As a result of his consistency, he has been included in the Sri Lanka Test squad to play South Africa.
Perera made his international debut in 2013. Since then he was able to play only 6 International games. He was never given a regular position in the National team. Despite all that, he continued to score heaps of runs for the Nondescripts Cricket Club, and kept his hopes of regaining his place in the National team.
On being selected to the National team after three years, he is optimistic about having a regular position in the team.
“It feels great to return to the National team again. It is any player's dream to represent his country,” a hopeful Perera stated.
As of today, 13 double hundreds have been scored this season, which in itself is a record in Sri Lanka’s domestic Cricket history. Perera, who proudly claims two of those staggering scores, was optimistic that this could be the turning point in his career.
“I think the standard of pitches is the difference. Every Super 8 match has been played on good 1st Class venues”.
He didn’t forget to express his thoughts about his record breaking performance at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).
“I feel honoured to enter the record books in Cricket. I feel my hours of sacrifice and hard work have paid off.’’
Despite the recent drawbacks the National team had to encounter, Perera was optimistic of Sri Lanka’s chances on the forthcoming tour of South Africa. At the same time, he said he expects the South Africans to play the game in the proper spirits.
"The South Africans are always a formidable team at home, but I feel we have the capability to beat any team, if we play to our strengths. I think this tour will be a great experience for us as a team."
The National team has been hampered by a lot of injuries in the recent past. Despite all that, Perera believes it’s a good opportunity for the youngsters to step up and show their capabilities.
"Injuries are a part of international sport. It is frustrating to see our players get injured, but at the same time, it gives an opportunity to the younger players in the team, and it is their responsibility to step up in the hour of need," he added.
Furthermore, he hopes the Lankans will begin to play the brand of Cricket they are known for.
As Cricket lovers patiently wait and see what the future holds for Angelo Perera, hopes are positive that, this tour will be a steppingstone for the Lankan Lions, as the countdown for the 2019 World Cup begins.