by Rex Clementine
The Niroshan Dickwella experiment has proved short lived, with the national selectors deciding to move on and handing a maiden Test call up to 22-year-old Anjala Bandara, who is expected to take over the wicketkeeping duties for the two match Test series against Pakistan.
Dickwella’s recall after more than three years in the wilderness had raised quite a few eyebrows. The selectors defended their decision, arguing that he remained the finest wicketkeeper in the country. Few disputed that claim. The concerns, however, were never about his glovework but rather his ability to shut out the noise, keep his emotions in check and maintain discipline off the field. True to form, India’s fielders managed to get under his skin in the second innings of the Galle Test and the left-hander duly lost patience and threw his wicket away.
A fellow left-hander, Bandara’s journey to the national side has been anything but conventional. He first emerged from the little known Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya in Matale before being snapped up by St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota. He eventually found his way to Mahanama College for his Under-19 cricket and now turns out for Colombo Cricket Club.
While Bandara has been prolific with the bat, boasting a formidable First Class average of 65, his work behind the stumps remains a work in progress. The selectors, however, believe he has made sufficient strides to be thrown into the deep end of Test cricket.
“We had a special programme for Anjala. In fact, we sent him to Mahesh Gunathilaka, one of the finest wicketkeepers produced by the country. He has worked on a few areas and we feel he is ready for Test match cricket,” Chairman of Selectors Kapila Wijegunawardene told The Island.
Wijegunawardene also confirmed that Pasindu Sooriyabandara would open the batting in Pakistan.
The former Royal College batter made his Test debut as a concussion substitute against India in Galle after Dinesh Chandimal was injured, but his introduction to the highest level was hardly a fairytale as he departed for a first ball duck. He made amends in the second Test, however, with impressive knocks of 80 and 92, showing that his baptism by fire had done little to dent his confidence.
Although Pathum Nissanka has been included in the squad, his availability remains subject to fitness. The prolific opener had been expected to return for the tri-nation series in Pakistan beginning later this week, but his recovery from the hamstring strain that ruled him out of the T20 series has taken longer than anticipated.
The Pakistan series will also mark Kusal Mendis’ first assignment as Test captain. His predecessor, Dhananjaya de Silva, who stepped down from the leadership, retains his place in the squad, although whether he makes the playing XI is another matter.
With competition for middle order places heating up, the former captain could find himself in a straight shootout with Kamindu Mendis for one of the remaining berths. It is an intriguing selection headache, particularly given that Dhananjaya was leading the side only a few weeks ago.
Another interesting inclusion is Eshan Malinga, who has largely been regarded as a white ball specialist. The selectors have now opened the door for him in the longest format, offering the young quick an opportunity to prove that his skills extend beyond the limited overs game.