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

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.

Avishka Fernando

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.