Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Aravinda de Silva. What do these blokes have in common? Of course, the very fact of the matter that they are pillars and the very ethos of Sri Lanka cricket, but, it must be remembered that they too were a side in transition. Although many have attributed Sri Lanka’s poor form in overseas conditions to the side in transitions, most do not accept this argument. They have been a side in transition for almost 2-3 years now. When one looks at the Indians or the Australians for that matter, the transition period was no more than 6-8 months.

However, in spite of all this, to undermine the work put in by incumbent skipper and the coach Angelo Mathews and Graham Ford would be wrong more than a harsh thing to do. The fact that they were able to bat out of their skins in alien conditions was something that showcased the grit and the character of Sri Lankan batsmen.

Although it remains to be seen whether this current regime of players gets the time they deserve, some have tipped a few to go on to have a long and profound career with Sri Lankan cricket. Some youngsters in the Sri Lankan side for the ongoing Australia series include Avishka Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, and Amila Aponso.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Avishka-Fernando-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81132"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-81132" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Avishka-Fernando-1.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka Avishka Fernando" width="600" height="418" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81132" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Fernando. (Photo credit ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Avishka Fernando and Vishwa Fernando were roped into the squad for the Test series together following injuries to all of Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Both still in their teen years, only Vishwa Fernando was given a Test cap in the second Test match at Galle.

At 18, Avishka Fernando is already tipped to make it in the big match level. However, whether he is able to make an impact on the international stage like his namesake remains to be seen.

In spite of a couple of wickets in the match, his performances were subdued by the presence of Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera. Avishka Fernando was handed an ODI debut against Australia in the first ODI at the RPS, Colombo along with Lakshan Sandakan and Amila Aponso.<br>

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Lakshan-Sandakan.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81271"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-81271" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lakshan-Sandakan.jpg" alt="Sri Lankan cricketer Lakshan Sandakan " width="600" height="403" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81271" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan cricketer Lakshan Sandakan. (Photo credit ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Lakshan Sandakan was a part of the Sri Lankan Test side that absolutely routed Australia in the Test series 3-0. Although it was Rangana Herath who impressed with some unbelievable bowling performances, Sandakan chipped in with his left-arm chinaman action as he bowled impressively, making his case for the ODI side as well. He was subsequently handed a debut in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium against Australia.

Sandakan also impressed in first-class cricket when his bowling prowess was noted by the Sri Lankan selectors of the time. In 37 First-Class matches for the Colombo Sports Club, Sandakan has managed an impressive 164 wickets.

He was subsequently handed a debut in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium against Australia. He ended up on the losing side and was surprisingly not asked to bowl on his debut.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Amila-Aponso.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81058"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-81058" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amila-Aponso.jpg" alt="Amila Aponso" width="600" height="446" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81058" class="wp-caption-text">Amila Aponso. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

23-year old Amila Aponso has been linked with a debut ever since he made it big on the First-class and the domestic scene. An accurate left-arm spinner for Ragama Cricket Club, Amila Aponso emerged as one of Sri Lanka&#8217;s better finger-spinning prospects, after successful first-class seasons in 2015 and 2016.

Aponso&#8217;s debut saw him impress one and all with some splendid bowling performances as well as his ability to score the quick runs with the bat as well. On debut, Aponso managed to pick a wicket in his 10 overs and also managed to concede just 27 runs in those overs.

Similar to Sandakan, Aponso has an impressive track record in the domestic and first-class level where he has managed an impressive 111 wickets in 27 matches, including a 10-wicket haul in an innings.

<strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/crictoon-steve-smith-struck-sharkish-mathews-run-no-1-ranking/" target="_blank">CricToon: Steve Smith struck by Sharkish Mathews in the run for No.1 ranking</a></strong>

<p>Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Aravinda de Silva. What do these blokes have in common? Of course, the very fact of the matter that they are pillars and the very ethos of Sri Lanka cricket, but, it must be remembered that they too were a side in transition. Although many have attributed Sri Lanka’s poor form in overseas conditions to the side in transitions, most do not accept this argument. They have been a side in transition for almost 2-3 years now. When one looks at the Indians or the Australians for that matter, the transition period was no more than 6-8 months.</p>
<p>However, in spite of all this, to undermine the work put in by incumbent skipper and the coach Angelo Mathews and Graham Ford would be wrong more than a harsh thing to do. The fact that they were able to bat out of their skins in alien conditions was something that showcased the grit and the character of Sri Lankan batsmen.</p>
<p>Although it remains to be seen whether this current regime of players gets the time they deserve, some have tipped a few to go on to have a long and profound career with Sri Lankan cricket. Some youngsters in the Sri Lankan side for the ongoing Australia series include Avishka Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, and Amila Aponso.</p>
<h4><strong>Avishka Fernando</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_81132" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-81132" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Avishka-Fernando-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81132"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-81132" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Avishka-Fernando-1.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka Avishka Fernando" width="600" height="418" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81132" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Fernando. (Photo credit ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Avishka Fernando and Vishwa Fernando were roped into the squad for the Test series together following injuries to all of Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Both still in their teen years, only Vishwa Fernando was given a Test cap in the second Test match at Galle.</p>
<p>At 18, Avishka Fernando is already tipped to make it in the big match level. However, whether he is able to make an impact on the international stage like his namesake remains to be seen.</p>
<p>In spite of a couple of wickets in the match, his performances were subdued by the presence of Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera. Avishka Fernando was handed an ODI debut against Australia in the first ODI at the RPS, Colombo along with Lakshan Sandakan and Amila Aponso.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>Lakshan Sandakan</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_81271" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-81271" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Lakshan-Sandakan.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81271"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-81271" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lakshan-Sandakan.jpg" alt="Sri Lankan cricketer Lakshan Sandakan " width="600" height="403" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81271" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan cricketer Lakshan Sandakan. (Photo credit ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Lakshan Sandakan was a part of the Sri Lankan Test side that absolutely routed Australia in the Test series 3-0. Although it was Rangana Herath who impressed with some unbelievable bowling performances, Sandakan chipped in with his left-arm chinaman action as he bowled impressively, making his case for the ODI side as well. He was subsequently handed a debut in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium against Australia.</p>
<p>Sandakan also impressed in first-class cricket when his bowling prowess was noted by the Sri Lankan selectors of the time. In 37 First-Class matches for the Colombo Sports Club, Sandakan has managed an impressive 164 wickets.</p>
<p>He was subsequently handed a debut in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium against Australia. He ended up on the losing side and was surprisingly not asked to bowl on his debut.</p>
<h4><strong>Amila Aponso</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_81058" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-81058" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Amila-Aponso.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81058"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-81058" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amila-Aponso.jpg" alt="Amila Aponso" width="600" height="446" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81058" class="wp-caption-text">Amila Aponso. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>23-year old Amila Aponso has been linked with a debut ever since he made it big on the First-class and the domestic scene. An accurate left-arm spinner for Ragama Cricket Club, Amila Aponso emerged as one of Sri Lanka’s better finger-spinning prospects, after successful first-class seasons in 2015 and 2016.</p>
<p>Aponso’s debut saw him impress one and all with some splendid bowling performances as well as his ability to score the quick runs with the bat as well. On debut, Aponso managed to pick a wicket in his 10 overs and also managed to concede just 27 runs in those overs.</p>
<p>Similar to Sandakan, Aponso has an impressive track record in the domestic and first-class level where he has managed an impressive 111 wickets in 27 matches, including a 10-wicket haul in an innings.</p>
<h5><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/crictoon-steve-smith-struck-sharkish-mathews-run-no-1-ranking/" target="_blank">CricToon: Steve Smith struck by Sharkish Mathews in the run for No.1 ranking</a></strong></h5>

<p>Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Arjuna Ranatunga, and Aravinda de Silva. What do these blokes have in common? Of course, the very fact of the matter that they are pillars and the very ethos of Sri Lanka cricket, but, it must be remembered that they too were a side in transition. Although many have attributed Sri Lanka’s poor form in overseas conditions to the side in transitions, most do not accept this argument. They have been a side in transition for almost 2-3 years now. When one looks at the Indians or the Australians for that matter, the transition period was no more than 6-8 months.</p>
<p>However, in spite of all this, to undermine the work put in by incumbent skipper and the coach Angelo Mathews and Graham Ford would be wrong more than a harsh thing to do. The fact that they were able to bat out of their skins in alien conditions was something that showcased the grit and the character of Sri Lankan batsmen.</p>
<p>Although it remains to be seen whether this current regime of players gets the time they deserve, some have tipped a few to go on to have a long and profound career with Sri Lankan cricket. Some youngsters in the Sri Lankan side for the ongoing Australia series include Avishka Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, and Amila Aponso.</p>
<h4><strong>Avishka Fernando</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_81132" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-81132" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Avishka-Fernando-1.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81132"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-81132" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Avishka-Fernando-1.jpg" alt="Sri Lanka Avishka Fernando" width="600" height="418" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81132" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan cricketer Avishka Fernando. (Photo credit ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Avishka Fernando and Vishwa Fernando were roped into the squad for the Test series together following injuries to all of Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Both still in their teen years, only Vishwa Fernando was given a Test cap in the second Test match at Galle.</p>
<p>At 18, Avishka Fernando is already tipped to make it in the big match level. However, whether he is able to make an impact on the international stage like his namesake remains to be seen.</p>
<p>In spite of a couple of wickets in the match, his performances were subdued by the presence of Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera. Avishka Fernando was handed an ODI debut against Australia in the first ODI at the RPS, Colombo along with Lakshan Sandakan and Amila Aponso.<br>
</p>
<h4><strong>Lakshan Sandakan</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_81271" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-81271" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Lakshan-Sandakan.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81271"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-81271" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Lakshan-Sandakan.jpg" alt="Sri Lankan cricketer Lakshan Sandakan " width="600" height="403" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81271" class="wp-caption-text">Sri Lankan cricketer Lakshan Sandakan. (Photo credit ISHARA S.KODIKARA/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Lakshan Sandakan was a part of the Sri Lankan Test side that absolutely routed Australia in the Test series 3-0. Although it was Rangana Herath who impressed with some unbelievable bowling performances, Sandakan chipped in with his left-arm chinaman action as he bowled impressively, making his case for the ODI side as well. He was subsequently handed a debut in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium against Australia.</p>
<p>Sandakan also impressed in first-class cricket when his bowling prowess was noted by the Sri Lankan selectors of the time. In 37 First-Class matches for the Colombo Sports Club, Sandakan has managed an impressive 164 wickets.</p>
<p>He was subsequently handed a debut in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium against Australia. He ended up on the losing side and was surprisingly not asked to bowl on his debut.</p>
<h4><strong>Amila Aponso</strong></h4>
<figure id="attachment_81058" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-81058" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/08/Amila-Aponso.jpg" rel="attachment wp-att-81058"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-81058" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Amila-Aponso.jpg" alt="Amila Aponso" width="600" height="446" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-81058" class="wp-caption-text">Amila Aponso. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<p>23-year old Amila Aponso has been linked with a debut ever since he made it big on the First-class and the domestic scene. An accurate left-arm spinner for Ragama Cricket Club, Amila Aponso emerged as one of Sri Lanka&#8217;s better finger-spinning prospects, after successful first-class seasons in 2015 and 2016.</p>
<p>Aponso&#8217;s debut saw him impress one and all with some splendid bowling performances as well as his ability to score the quick runs with the bat as well. On debut, Aponso managed to pick a wicket in his 10 overs and also managed to concede just 27 runs in those overs.</p>
<p>Similar to Sandakan, Aponso has an impressive track record in the domestic and first-class level where he has managed an impressive 111 wickets in 27 matches, including a 10-wicket haul in an innings.</p>
<h5><strong>Also read: <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/crictoon-steve-smith-struck-sharkish-mathews-run-no-1-ranking/" target="_blank">CricToon: Steve Smith struck by Sharkish Mathews in the run for No.1 ranking</a></strong></h5>

The new wave of Sri Lanka cricketers set to take centre stage

Sri Lanka and their poor form in overseas conditions to the side in transitions, most do not accept this argument. They have been a side in transition for..