The West Indies A team is to tour the island on a test and ODI series against the Sri Lankan A team. A media gathering was called today at the Jaic Hilton Colombo to brief the media on the upcoming tour.
Present at the head table was Sri Lanka A team coach Mr. Romesh Kaluwitharana, Sri Lanka A team captain Upul Tharanga, Mr. Carlton Bernadus, the head of Cricket operations SLC, West Indies A captain Carlos Brathwiate, Mr. Graeme West the coach and legend, Sir Vivian Richards who works as the technical director of the Indies A team.
Prior to the media conference at a Selection Committee Meeting held on 9th September 2014 the National Selectors nominated the below players for the squad for the West Indies “A” team’s tour of Sri Lanka with Upul Tharanga to lead the Lions.
Upul Tharanga Kusal Perera, Dimuth Karunaratne,Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Ashan Priyanjana, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Niroshan Dickwella,Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Madhawa Warnapura, Roshen Silva, Shehan Jayasooriya, Romesh Buddhika, Sachith Pathirana, Chathuranga De Silva, Seekkuge Prasanna, Suraj Randiv, Lakshan Rangika, Akila Dhananjaya, Tharindu Kaushal, Malinga Pushpakumara, Shaminda Eranga, Lahiru Gamage, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Binura Fernando, Vishva Fernando, Anuk Fernando, Farveez Maharoof,Kasun Madushanka
Sri Lankan Skipper Upul Tharanga said “we look to do well at the upcoming games as this will be really crucial ahead of the world cup” adding on the importance of this West Indian tour. With the recent success of the National side the A team will hopefully be equally competitive and will put on a good set of matches against the Indies. The West Indian Captain Carlos Brathwiate conveyed similar sentiments to Tharanga “this will give us a good platform to work our way through to the West Indies senior team while giving us the opportunity to use this tour as a gauge to see where we stand”.
“I was first introduced to the team in the short series we had against Bangladesh and I just felt that from what I saw the talent pool we had that it is a great opportunity to be back here and tour. Especially with the world cup around the corner to work with these individuals led by Carlos, who is a magnificent leader and as Graeme said this is a multi talented team, with individuals who are looking to make that next step and some who have been there before.” Sir Vivian expressed about his involvement and the team.
“So when you have a great balance like that and more so with the performances of the senior team in the recent past, that we can send the message that we are the ones who are going to change the whole prospect of West Indies cricket and i do believe with the talent we have we are capable of doing so; and what way to start in your magnificent country.” One of the all time greats, Sir Vivian added about what the future beholds for West Indies cricket with a beaming smile.
The schedule of the tour is as follows;
1st unofficial Test – 11th October – 14th October at Hambanthota.
2nd unofficial Test – 18th October – 21st October at Matara, Uyanwatta.
3rd unofficial Test – 25th October – 28th October at Moratuwa
1st ODI – 1st November – Dambulla
2nd ODI – 3rd November – Kurunegala
3rd ODI – 5th November – SSC
Ahead of the upcoming ICC Cricket world cup this will be the ideal stage for the players to make it up the ladder and represent their respective national senior teams the World cup.
