Bandara, Hewage, Jayantha Sri Lanka 'A' replacements (10 August 1999)

10 August 1999

Bandara, Hewage, Jayantha Sri Lanka 'A' replacements

Chris Dhambarage

Test cap Malinga Bandara, all rounder Pradeep Hewage and Saman Jayantha have been named as replacements for the Sri Lanka 'A' team who are currently touring England.

Seven players from the Sri Lanka 'A' team will return from England in preparation for the forthcoming three Test series against Australia starting in Kandy on September 9.

Malinga Bandara who figured in a solitary test match against New Zealand last year has been recalled following some good contributions for his club NCC in the Premier championship Division one tournament. His teammate Pradeep Hewage who was unfortunately left out from the original 16 member squad has been rewarded for his consistency as a genuine all rounder.

Pradeep Hewage captained the Sri Lanka under 19 team for the Youth World Cup in South Africa and was named best batsman of the tournament aggregating 316 runs in six innings for an outstanding average of 105.33 runs. He first gained national recognition in 1994 when he toured Malaysia for the under 17 World Cup as a right hand batsman and a right arm fast medium bowler. In addition he was the vice captain of the Sri Lanka under 19 team during their home series against India last year.

Saman Jayantha who captained Singha Sports Club in the Premier championship Division one tournament will also join the Sri Lanka 'A' team as a top order batsman. The seven players who will return from England are opener Tuwan Dilshan, left arm spinner Rangana Herath, fast bowler Indika Gallage, Prasanna Jayawardena, Russel Arnold, Nimesh Perera and Suresh Perera.

The Sri Lanka 'A' team will play another four day match against Worcestershire commencing today at Worcester. In addition they will play a one day fixture against Sussex on August 15 at Hove under lights and will conclude the tour with a four day game against MCC team starting on August 17.

Source :: The Daily News