“I have full confidence before the National Super League cricket tournament and capturing a match bag of ten wickets (five wickets in each innings) gave me a big boost to go forward,” said National Test team leg spinner Lasith Embuldeniya in an exclusive interview with the Daily News yesterday.
“It was a huge challenge for me at the SSC grounds we (Kandy) had to play against Colombo at the opening game of the National Super League cricket tournament. We had to bowl first after losing the toss but we also planned to bowl first to get the advantage of the first one and half hours on SSC wickets”.
“I also had another challenge as I used the new ball with a paceman. I had previous experience as a new ball partner at the Test matches, especially at Galle. We took four early wickets giving away 64 runs and that allowed us to pose a huge challenge against Colombo and they were bundled out for 214 while our batters made a challenging score of 556 runs. The SSC wicket was a little bit wet and had grass and we took the challenge to bowl first”.
“I had to train hard after being dropped from the Test squad and my dedication was very high and that was the secret of my achievements at the first NSL game,” said former Royal College leg spinner Embuldeniya. “Especially my National spin coach Piyal Wijethunga, Sri Lanka A spin coach Sajeewa Weerakoon gave fine assistance after the last Bangladesh Test series. I was very serious about my training and adjust my speed of bowling (increasing the speed) and always maintain line and length and that helped me to improve my bowling this time and I always tried to turn the ball. My Kandy coaching staff headed by head coach Malinda Warnapura gave their best support and my parents always back me,” added Embuldeniya.
“I knew we have a heavy schedule and from here Sri Lanka A team series against England lions and then New Zealand series in New Zealand. I don’t know my availability for this series and it’s up to the selectors. My duty is to perform well at any level and wanted to enter the National team very soon”. Actually this NSL conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket gives a big boost for the local cricketers to build up their exposure and we must thank SLC for organizing this level of tournaments,” added Embuldeniya.
In the first weekend NSL matches, Kandy beat Colombo at SSC grounds while Galle beat Dambulla at R. Premadasa International Stadium and both matches were finished with one day to spare last Saturday.
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