He can make the batsmen hurry; he can bowl with express pace and he has a big heart, Dushmantha Chameera – Sri Lanka’s newest fast-bowling prospect took the world by surprise with his raw pace during the 3 ODIs he played in New Zealand/Australia.
The tall and lanky right-arm seamer who bowls with a slightly round arm action is the fastest bowler in Sri Lanka at the age of just 23. He can consistently clock above 140kmph and the boy from Negombo unfolded his journey with www.thepapare.com.
How did you begin your cricket career?
I started playing cricket when I was in grade 6 at Harischandra Vidyalaya, Negombo. After my OL/s, I moved to Maris Stella College, Negombo and played 3 years of 1st XI cricket there.
How was your transition to first-class cricket?
After I finished my school career, I was called-up to play at Nondescript Cricket Club in 2012. Up to now, I have played only 3 seasons and in the first season, I played only handful of games but last season I took 32 wickets at an average of 21. Because of those performances, I was given the chance to play for Sri Lanka ‘A’ team.
What was the feeling when you got selected to the national team?
I was so happy and delighted when I toured New Zealand with the Test squad but I did not get a chance. After that, I was selected to the ODI squad due to some injuries and I played the final game. I was so proud to wear Sri Lanka colours and I think I did a good job with the ball.
How did you take the call-up to the World Cup squad?
I was not selected in the first 15-man squad but due to Dhammika Prasad’s injury, I was called up to the squad as a replacement. I never thought I would get the chance so soon but I was extremely happy to be a part of that World Cup team which had many international stars like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga.
How was the experience playing Down Under?
The wickets and conditions in Australia and New Zealand assist the fast bowlers a lot. I practiced hard when I was in the Test squad and it helped me immensely when I played the ODIs.
Do you believe you can bowl at 150kmph with accuracy in the future?
I have bowled at 147kmph up to now and yes, I believe I can bowl at 150kmph with good line and length as I have a long way to go in my career. I need to maintain very good fitness levels and currently I am working hard on my accuracy as well.
How are you hoping to perform in the upcoming Pakistan series?
I have been selected for the Test and One-day series’ in the Pakistan ‘A’ tour. I am hoping to perform well in this series which will definitely help me to be a part of the national team when the Pakistan national team arrives in June.
Were you always bowling around 140kmph in the past?
I did not bowl at this pace in my school days. I depended a lot on seam movement but I started to bowl faster when I was around 21 years of age.
Who is your Cricket idol?
My fast-bowling heroes are Brett Lee and Dale Steyn.
How do you think the Sri Lankan fast-bowlers must improve for the next World Cup in England?
The pitches in England will also help the fast-bowlers and I think we will have to improve our death bowling. The fielding restrictions inside the Powerplay overs are not easy for any bowler and we will have to come up with good tactics in the future.
What are your plans beyond Cricket?
I am currently working at Sampath Bank and I am hoping to continue working there after my cricket career is over.
Finally, who are the people you want to appreciate?
Firstly, I would like to thank my mom and dad for their continuous support. My first coach was Mr. Harsha Gamaadikari and I want to thank him and then my school coach Moditha Bandara. Sri Lanka development squad coach, Sumithra Warnakulasuriya and fast-bowling coach Anusha Samaranayake helped me very much. My coaches at NCC, Hemantha Devapriya, Nuwan Zoysa and Sajith Fernando gave loads of guidance and support. Finally I would like to thank, Sri Lanka ‘A’ coach Romesh Kaluwitharana, Champaka Ramanayake, Sri Lanka head coach Marvan Atapattu and fast-bowling coach Chaminda Vaas for all the wealthy advises.
www.thepapare.com would like to thank this exciting prospect for Sri Lanka for lending his time and hope that the nation will soon see a fully-fledged screaming-fast, bowler who will become the next favourite thing for the country.
