Kosala Kulasekara called up as Shaminda Eranga's replacement – Cricket News Update
Sri Lanka Cricket, on Thursday, called up uncapped seam bowler, Kosala Kulasekara as replacement for injured fast bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/United-Arab-Emirates-c3033.
Kulasekara, a 26-year-old lanky medium pacer, has been a regular member of the country’s A side this summer. While talking to the media reporters after the call-up, the seamer said that former Sri Lanka coach, Anusha Samaranayake had helped him a lot to improve as a fast bowler.
"I have developed and matured quite a lot as a fast bowler," said Kulasekara. "Former national fast bowling coach http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Aluthge-Don-Anusha-Samaranayake-c43836 has helped me to improve on my technique, pace and ball release," he added further.
The right-arm seamer, who plays for Nondescripts Cricket Club in Sri Lanka's domestic competitions, also represented the County side http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Leicestershire-c807 this season and impressed the selectors with his five-wicket haul. Overall the rookie has played 72 first-class matches and has 148 wickets in his name at an average of 26.43 and an economy rate of 3.54.
The uncapped fast bowler was also part of the http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 Board XI side that played Australia in a tour game during their recent tour of the Island nation and returned with two wickets.
Kulasekara, who loves playing the lofted on-drive and off-drive shots, said that he had worked hard on his batting as well.
Ernaga, the 25-year-old right-arm medium pacer who made a startling Test debut against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 last month, picked up a shoulder injury and has been ruled out of the entire series and is also a doubtful starter for the limited-over leg of the tour.
Replying to a query regarding the nature of Eranga’s injury and the recovery time, Sri Lanka cricket team’s physio, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Harold-William-Stephenson-c61707 Mount, said that the pacer had injured the cartilaginous on his right shoulder while fielding during the ODI series against Australia last month and is presently under treatment.
"He will be fit in a few weeks. We are trying to get him ready for the South African tour later this year," said Mount.
In the absence of Eranga - who has played just one Test and three One Day Internationals - http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KTGD-Prasad-c1814 will make up the fast-bowling department of the Lankan attack.
The neutral venue Test series between http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 and Sri Lanka kicks off in Abu Dhabi on October 18, 2011.
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