SRI LANKA - THE SPIN ROMANCE IN DOMESTIC CRICKET

 

Sri Lanka has long been the breeding ground for extraordinary spin talent. However, since the retirement of the legendary Rangana Herath, concerns have arisen regarding the diminishing quality of spin bowling in the nation. Despite this, Sri Lanka still possesses a reservoir of promising spinners. The challenge now is to nurture and invest in this talent, reigniting the country’s dominance on the global cricket stage. In this article, we spotlight some quality spinners who hold the key to this resurgence—an intriguing mix of seasoned stalwarts and emerging young prodigies.

 

1.      Prabath Jayasuriya– Age 33- Tests – 20 – Wickets - 116-Wickets- Average – 30.08-Currently Sri Lanka’s no.1 spinner, Jayasuriya takes full benefit of his height and uses accuracy, deception through flights and bounce to get wickets. He though needs to pull up his socks in overseas tours where his average requires improvement.

 

Prabath Jayasuriya- Currently Sri Lanka's no.1 spinner

2.      Malinda Pushpakumara – Age 37- 167 First Class Matches- 980 Wickets – Average- 19.92- A prolific wicket taker and probably the best spinner in Sri Lanka since Herath retired, Pushpakumara had to wait till 30 for his Test debut because Herath was still around He was though dropped only after 4 Tests, At 37 he is still plying his trade in domestic cricket but it seems his talent will go unfulfilled at the Test level with other spinners being preferred.

            Malinda Pushpakumara -  Lack of Trust from selectors have resulted in sparse opportunities

3     Chamikara Edirisinghe – Age 33- 100 First Class Matches – 374 Wickets – Average 26.33-  A talented left arm spinner who has been consistent performer on the domestic circuit, Chamikara Edirisinghe is known for the turn and control on the ball, he has been useful batsmen in the lower order. With dual skills that he brings on the fore, it is unfortunate that he has not got the chance to represent the National team. At the age of 33, it would be difficult for him to break in the team.

                                                    Chamikara Edirisinghe- A useful prospect 

4     Nimesh Vimukthi : Age 27- 67 First Class matches -292 Wickets -Average 23.77 and 2055  runs at 23.89-  A probing left arm spinner  whorepresents Chilaw Marians Cricket Club and Panadura in the Sri Lankan domestic cricket, Nimesh Vimukthi graduated from Pandura’s Mahanama College. He played his first game in 2016 and has impressed everyone with his accuracy in his bowling; beyond this he has appetite to bowl longer spells. He also has been a handy lower order batsman, someone who could be termed as bowling all-rounder. With age on his side he might become Sri Lanka’s major spin asset in years to come by.

                                        Nimesh Vimukthi - A very handy bowling allrounder 
                                       

5.      Gyan Sirisoma: Age: 43 – 143 First Class matches -785 wickets –Average 19.35-It is unfortunate that Gyan Sirisoma never played or Sri Lanka, a canny left arm spinner, Sirisoma played 143 First Class matches and took 785 wickets at a staggering average of 19.35. He played domestic cricket for 21 years and waited for all these time for a chance which never came up. Now 43, his time has passed long ago.

 

                                              Gyan Sirisoma -  A career of what could have been 

6.      Chanaka Komasuru : Age : 41- 182 First Class Matches -737 Wickets – Average 22.59-  :A colossus of Sri Lanka’s domestic cricket, Komasuru epitomized perseverance, yet was unjustly denied the Sri Lankan Test cap he so richly deserved. Across 182 matches, he decimated batsmen with 737 wickets at a formidable average of 22.59. For 24 years, he toiled under the relentless sun, harboring the unfulfilled dream of donning national colors. Despite the selectors' indifference, he continues to dominate the domestic circuit, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the stellar Test career that fate, regrettably, never granted him.

 

                   Chanaka Komasuru - At 43 still plying his trade but the elusive national cap never arrived

7.      Lasith Embelduniya : Age : 28- 86 First Class Matches -382 Wickets – Average 29.08- A tall spinner, Lasith Embelduniya was drafted in Sri Lanka’s Test team at the age of 22 only. For almost three and half years he was Sri Lanka’s first choice spinner. Lasith left a strong impression and with age on his side seemed a long term prospect. Inconsistency however precluded him from achieving Sri Lanka’s kingpin. He however has age on his side to ensure he achieves the bigger milestones.

           Lasith  Embelduniya- With age on his side, Sri Lanka might again look at him leading the attack

8.      Wanuja Sahan : Age : 21- 36  First Class Matches -180 Wickets – Average 20.90-One of the talented left arm spinners, 21 year old Wanuja Sahan, is one of the young upcoming spinners in the domestic system and most likely to be  drafted in the national time.  Beyond possessing a staggering domestic record, Sahan has been brilliant on the A tours for Sri Lanka, he has shown excellent control for 21 year old.

 

                                    Wanuja Sahan -  The 21 year old has shown lot of promises

Sri Lanka has fallen behind the Test ranking since 2015; they are no more among top three teams, a prime reason is they don’t have potent spin attack which can consistently put pressure on the opposition even in home conditions. Rather than cutting down on Tests, it is time for the board to select right selectors who can pick the domestic performers and give them a long run. The Pushpakumara’s, Sirisoma’s or Komasuru’s career is not curtailed unjustly.