Gunawardena expects youngsters to shine ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Sri Lanka ‘A’ team coach Avishka Gunawardena says the forthcoming series against South African ‘A’ side will provide the fringe players with an opportunity to join the national squad as selectors are to finalise the squad for next month’s World Cup qualifiers. Sri Lanka is among 10 countries battling out grab the two remaining spots to join the main draw of the 50-over World Cup.

“Players’ performances will be keenly observed during the ODI series, as the selectors want to have enough options to pick and choose players whenever required,” said Gunawardena, just days ahead of the three-match unofficial series against South African ‘A’ side.

The squad consist of players who have either represented the national team in the past or have been waiting in the wings for a place in the national side. Gunawardena said even though they have been with the national team, have only played a few matches at international level.

“Most of the players are still quite young,” he said.

“The captain, Nipun Dananjaya is only 22-years-old.

Lasith Croospulle played his maiden series against England Lions this year. Even though Ashen Bandara was with the national team for the last few years, he hasn’t got a consistent run. The only exception is Lakshan Sandakan. The selectors probably want to have a look at a wrist spinner. So overall this is a young squad along with two newcomers Nimesh Vimukthi and Isitha Wijasundara.”

Bandara was the leading run-scorer in the National Super League (NSL) this year. He scored 419 runs at an average of 59.85 and sealed his place in the squad. Sandakan’s inclusion is an interesting one. He was sidelined from the national team since 2021. He lost his place due to his prolonged inconsistent performances.

However he played a vital role during Dambulla’s victorious campaign in the NSL Limited Over Tournament. He bagged 12 wickets in eight matches at an average of 19.91. However it remains to be seen whether he will be consistent and make a possible return in to the national team after two years.

The squad comprises of seven frontline batters, two all-rounders, four fast bowlers and two spinners.

The ODI series will be played at the Pallekele International Stadium which provides more assistance to fast bowlers and Gunawardena expects the fast bowlers to exploit the conditions and deliver the goods when the captain gives the ball to them.

The former opener went on to highlight the importance of being patient while batting and the importance of surviving the first 10 to 15 overs and then capitalise and convert their score in to something substantial.

“If the batters can do that consistently throughout the series it will boost their confidence,” he said.

Gunawardena felt that if the ‘A’ team batters are hoping to force their way in to the national team, they need to take responsibility to score runs consistently and put pressure on the batters who are already in the national team.

Furthermore, Gunawardena says the players should focus on this series rather than having anxiety about representing their country at the World Cup Qualifiers.

“Every player in the squad should be committed to fulfill their given roles in this series. They shouldn’t worry about being selected for the World Cup Qualifiers. What they should do is to play fearless cricket, but they shouldn’t look too far ahead of themselves and burnout due to the fear of failure. They should concentrate on what can be achieved during the upcoming series. If they do well they will be rewarded,” the former Sri Lanka opener noted.

Gunawardena admitted the fact that, there is a vast difference between domestic and international cricket. However with the frequent arrangement of ‘A’ team series, he feels it will help to build a strong bench strength and reduce the gap between domestic and international cricket.

Despite being successful against the England Lions, he is cautious about what lies ahead for his young brigade and believes that, there is plenty of room for improvement in all three facets of the game.

“I expect a closely fought series against South Africa,” he said.

The series comprises of three ODIs and two unofficial Tests which are scheduled to be held in Pallekele and Dambulla respectively. The series will be held from June 4 to June 22.