Rumesh to produce fast bowlers (21 October 1998)

21 October 1998

Rumesh to produce fast bowlers

by Sa'adi Thawfeeq

Former Sri Lanka Test fast bowler Rumesh Ratnayake has been given a two-year contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in Sri Lanka to produce quality fast bowlers for the future.

Ratnayake's contract commenced from the first of this month and according to BCCSL sources he will be in charge of the under 15, under 19, under 23, Sri Lanka 'A' and Sri Lanka fast bowlers.

Ratnayake's primary task is to pick out potential fast bowlers and train them, with the assistance of the BCCSL, to become national players.

Cricket Board sources said that Ratnayake will be sent to MRF Pace Foundation in Madras to assist him in his task of producing fast bowlers for the national team.

Ratnayake took 73 wickets in 23 Tests at a cost of 35.10 with 6 for 66 against India as his best. He was instrumental in bowling his country to their first-ever Test win over India at the Sara Stadium in 1985 with a match bag of nine wickets.

In his prime, he was a feared fast bowler, being able to make the ball rise off a good length with his slinging action. Still only 34 years old, he was forced to quit the game at an early age after suffering a shoulder injury.

Since his premature retirement, Ratnayake has concentrated his efforts in coaching his club NCC and being coach of Sri Lanka 'A' teams. BERNADUS, UNDER 19 COACH

The BCCSL appointed Carlton Bernadus as coach of the Sri Lanka under 19 team for one year. Bernadus, who was formerly in charge of the under 19 squad before being unceremoniously dumped, will have his first assignment in December when the Sri Lanka under 19 team makes a tour to India.

The tour itinerary comprises a series of three under 19 Tests and three one-day internationals against India. UNDER 15 COACH

The Cricket Board's Executive Committee have received the names of three former Sri Lanka cricketers for the post of coach of the Sri Lanka under 15 team which is preparing to receive India under 15 in December.

Former Sri Lanka captain Bandula Warnapura, leg-spinner Asoka de Silva, and wicket-keeper Guy de Alwis are those in the running for the post.

India under 15 are due to play a series of three Tests and five one-day internationals with their Sri Lankan counterparts during the tour.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)