Hemantha makes a mark for himself

• Helps Sri Lanka ‘A’ level ODI series with England Lions

Leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha is glad that he got the opportunity to showcase his skills when he was selected to play for Sri Lanka ‘A’ against the touring England Lions team in the ongoing three-match unofficial ODI series.

Down 0-1 in the series, Hemantha spun Sri Lanka ‘A’ to victory over England Lions by 86 runs in the second unofficial ODI played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Saturday with figures of five for 43 and helped his team level the series 1-all going into the third and final game on Tuesday. England Lions chasing a tall target of 316 were dismissed for 229 in 39.1 overs after being strongly placed at 164-2 at one stage. Hemantha’s five wickets included a stunning one-handed return catch to dismiss Matthew Fisher who was eighth out at 220. “I didn’t try to do anything big but stuck to my basics. I bowled wicket to wicket,” said Hemantha after the match. “The England batsmen won’t allow a spinner to settle down. They play on both sides of the wicket. I try to bowl two or three dot balls and force them to make a mistake. That plan worked out well for us.”

For the decisive third unofficial ODI Hemantha said: “England have a good side, so we need to do our basics like we did today and put pressure on them through our spinners. We also have a pace attack with national team players.”

Hemantha who learned the rudiments of the game at St. Peter’s College, Bambalapitiya has been coached by his father Sujith Hemantha who has been behind his success so far from the time he started playing cricket. There have been other coaches also who have supported him at various times including Sri Lanka ‘A’ spin bowling coach Sajeewa Weerakoon.

Hemantha captained his alma mater in 2012 and 2013 and made his first-class debut for Colts in 2014. He captained Saracens SC in the Under 23 tournament and has been playing first-class cricket for nine years, the past three with BRC. At the last Lanka Premier League, he was picked to represent Dambulla Aura.

“I follow the national cricketers and speak to top players like Wanindu Hasaranga from whom I try to gather as much information as possible to broaden my career as a cricketer. My ambition is to play for the national team as early as possible,” said 28-year-old Hemantha who is no slouch with the bat having three first-class hundreds under his belt with a highest score of 193. (ST)