Reporting from Dharamshala
All-rounder Asela Gunaratne has spoken of the pain of staying out of international cricket since he fractured his thumb during the first Test against India in Galle.
Gunaratne had risen to prominence during Sri Lanka’s T-20i series win in Australia in February this year and his fans grew in numbers following his unbeaten 34 against India during the Champions Trophy.
His swept six off Jasprit Bumrah over fine-leg stunned cricket enthusiasts about his audacious stroke play as Sri Lanka chased down a target of 322.
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A month later, he proved his mettle in Test cricket as well. After being set a record 388 run target by Zimbabwe, he came up with a composed unbeaten 80 to help Sri Lanka to a tensed four-wicket win.
However, less than two weeks later, he sustained the injury.
“The last four months were like two years for me. It was very tough and I struggled a lot. I started training with the pain. Usually, this sort of injury takes about one year to heal, but I really worked hard listening to medical advice and that helped me to make a comeback sooner than expected. Even while driving, I was carrying a cricket ball, squeezing it and very happy that I am able to make a comeback sooner than expected,” the 31-year-old exclusively told ThePapare.com in Dharamashala.
“I still have to plaster the thumb as a precaution. Below the thumb, it was broken into about six pieces. The doctors have done a remarkable job to put it right. But still, I feel the stiffness as it was plastered for about four months,” Gunaratne explained.
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“I was watching the games on television and I was very down. I am looking forward to my return. Dharamshala looks gorgeous. A bit like England. Actually, colder than England. It was in similar conditions that we beat India in England,” Gunaratne recalled.
“I have had injuries before as well, but never something like this. Earlier injuries, I get well by two weeks or a month. But this was tough and very painful,” explained Gunaratne.
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He is expected to bat at number six after Angelo Mathews and Niroshan Dickwella to help give the innings the much-needed impetus in the death overs. “This wicket will help fast bowlers here. I generally play spin well, but the challenge is to take on their fast bowlers. Our preparation has been excellent. Let’s see how we go.”
Gunaratne’s off-spin helps Sri Lanka to balance the side, something that they have been lacking in the last few months. “I started bowling much earlier that I resumed batting. Since I had hurt the left-hand, there were no issues bowling from the right-hand. We have been losing too many games and we need to come out of it. We have a new captain and everyone will give him hundred percent. India no doubt will be a huge challenge. Their fans will be firmly behind them and there will be big noise. It will be a great atmosphere on Sunday.”
