Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Chief Selector Upul Tharanga has highlighted experience as the key factor for the selection decision of the opening batsmen for the Sri Lanka T20I squad facing Bangladesh today.
Addressing the media, Upul Tharanga said discussions with the coach and skipper had shown an evident need for an experienced opener as an extra batter, hence Niroshan Dickwella was picked for the role.
Responding to the possibility of using younger players, Upul Tharanga revealed that Shevon Daniel and Lasith Croospulle were considered.
He further said that Shevon Daniel has not played any T20I match, while Lasith Croospulle has played only one game, but both the cricketers’ performances in recent times were not great.
Pointing out the looming ICC Cricket World Cup, Upul Tharanga said the need of the moment was for an experienced opener, as the team was in a great position at present.
Commenting on the exclusion of Bhanika Rajapaksa, the SLC Chief Selector said the cricketer had withdrawn from the National Super League (NSL) due to an injury.
Providing a report from a private physio on the injury, Bhanuka Rajapaksa had withdrawn from the NSL domestic tournament currently underway and as he was unavailable for a domestic league, he cannot be selected for an international tournament, Upul Tharanga clarified.
“We wanted to consider him for this tour, with the unavailability of Kusal Janith Perera. But he had withdrawn from the NSL saying he is injured citing a private physio report” Upul Tharanga added.(NewsWire)