Thilan Thushara

Thushara is one of new fast bowling prospects to emerge in the last two years. From the coastal town of Balapitiya, he made his first-class debut in 1998-99. After a few years of steady improvement, including a spell in the BCCSL's Fast Bowling Unit, he caught the eye of the selectors and was included for Sri Lanka's tour of South Africa in 2002. He made his Test debut against West Indies in 2003, but failed to make the Test or ODI squad for the England tour later in the year. No rabbit with the bat, he is a hard-hitting striker of the ball and has two first-class half-centuries to his name. He played an important role in Kandurata ending as Inter-provincial limited-overs joint champs in 2008, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 11 wickets. That earned him a recall to the Test squad for the tour of West Indies and he impressed with eight wickets in two Tests. He was later included in the 30-man probables for the Champions Trophy. He has been effective on Sri Lankan pitches, forming a successful partnership with Nuwan Kulasekara.
Charlie Austin and Cricinfo Staff October 2009