Lankan T20 team takes wing for Australia – by Dhammika Ratnaweera

Sri Lanka T20 cricket team led by Dasun Shanaka left for Australia yesterday early morning to take part in the 5-match T20 series which is scheduled to commence from February 11. However, the Sri Lanka team is facing its biggest challenge with a few players who have tested positive for COVID-19 before this tour.

Earlier, interim coach Rumesh Ratnayake, fast bowler Nuwan Thushara, and trainer Dilshan Fonseka had tested positive while all rounder Chamika Karunaratne had been detected with the virus during a test that was conducted before his departure. Professor Arjuna de Silva, head of Sri Lanka Cricket’s medical unit said, “Chamika has to wait for his second report to confirm and so far we can’t confirm his illness and measures have been taken to isolate the cricketer at this stage.”

Prof. Arjuna further said, “fast bowler Nuwan Thushara who was also tested COVID-19 positive, earlier, has now almost recovered and he is in good health, will most probably leave for Australia on February 10. The interim coach Rumesh Ratnayake and trainer Dilshan Fonseka are also expected to join the team on 11.

The five-match T20 series is more important for the Sri Lanka team before the next T20 World Cup which is scheduled to be held from October – to November in Australia. Especially playing with the current T20 World Champions Australia give more exposure for the Sri Lanka team which have more youngsters and this is an ideal opportunity to get practice under Australian wickets before the next World Cup. The inclusion of Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Dinesh Chandimal always give more strength to the team. The 23-year-old Charith Asalanka was appointed vice captain for this tour while Pathum Nissanka, Maheesh Theekshana, Praveen Jayawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Janith Liyanage, and Kamil Mishara have good opportunities to get the experience during this tour. The selection committee member Hemantha Wickramaratne also joined with them while Chandima Mapatuna was once again included in this tour as Interim Manager. Ruwin Piris (batting coach), Manoj Abeywickrama (fielding coach), Piyal Wijethunga (spin coach) also accompanied the team as specialists coaches.

Sri Lanka cricket squad for Australian series: Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Charith Asalanka (Vice-Captain), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando.