Why has Hewage been omitted? (10 March 1999)

10 March 1999

Why has Hewage been omitted?

The Daily News

The talking point in cricketing circles is: How come that Pradeep Hewage one of Sri Lanka's most outstanding all-rounders has been found unfit for the Sri Lanka 'A' pool?

This must be one of the sins committed against the game.

Many knowledgeable cricketers and critics predicted a bright future for this young lad. But apparently with his dropping those who matter do not think so. Pity.

Hewage has been batting well in the current domestic tournament with scores of 94 against CCC, 86 versus SSC and 79 against Panadura and several other good scores.

While Hewage is out, players with lesser ability are in the pool.

Have the selectors forgotten that he was the captain for the Mini World Cup in South Africa in 1998 and was selected the best Batsman of the tournament out of 16 countries with an average of 105. Critics in South Africa were surprised that he was not in the Sri Lanka team that toured SA later that year.

Hewage brought great honour to the country when the Sri Lanka Schools Cricket Association nominated him to receive the 'Prince of Wales Trophy' when Prince Charles visited Sri Lanka for the 50th independence celebrations.

He was also in the pool against New Zealand and in the Sri Lankan squad for the Commonwealth Games cricket tourney.

Hewage was also the 'Bata Schoolboy cricketer of the year' 1998.

We are sure Hewage's omission must be an oversight on the part of the selectors. His present form demands that he be included in the 'A' pool which is in training to meet Leicestershire for the triangular and the 'A' team's tour of England later this year.

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