Tillakaratne junior in Test pool

Duvindu Tillakaratne has the unique distinction of representing both S. Thomas’ and Trinity in school cricket.

One of the rising stars in domestic cricket Duvindu Sachin Tillakaratne has been picked in a 23- member Test pool to take on Bangladesh in the up coming Test series. Duvindu is the son of former Test captain Hashan Tillakaratne, the first Sri Lankan to score a Test hundred in South Africa.

Like father, Duvindu has a reputation of working extremely hard on his game. He was born in the year Sri Lanka won the ICC Cricket World Cup. His twin brother Ravindu also played First Class cricket.

Duvindu had a prolific season for Burger Recreation Club in Premier League this season and came in for high praise from BRC boss and former Test cricketer Charith Senanayake. His career best figures of 13 for 118 was recorded last month against NCC. He was the highest wicket taker this season finishing with 61 scalps at 19 that included five five wicket hauls and three match bags of ten wickets.

Duvindu had the rare distinction of attending two leading schools in the country. He had his initial education at S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia and then moved to Kandy and attended Trinity College.

Lahiru Udara, Santhush Gunathilaka and Minod Bhanuka, players who had good domestic seasons have been named in the pool of 23.

Young all-rounders Kamindu Mendis and Wanindu Hasaranga are also in the squad.

The players will resume training next Thursday.

SLC is yet to announce the schedule for the series but sources said that the tour will include three Test matches and would start on the last week of October.

Bangladesh will arrive later this month to conduct training and play warm-up games.

Sri Lanka have not had any international cricket since February this year. The successful completion of the Premier League tournament is an indication that the game is ready to move forward after the pandemic.

Sri Lanka pool for Bangladesh Tests:

Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Santhush Gunathilaka, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Embuldeniya, Duvindu Tillakaratne, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando.