Mumbai: Sri Lanka’s new uncapped player Shehan Madhushanka was “pleasantly surprised” to find his name in the preliminary squad to prepare for the Bangladesh tour.
Speaking from Panagoda, where he had just finished his day’s play for Tamil Union against Army team, Shehan Madhushanka said, “I am really happy to be in the national squad. It is a dream come true to share dressing room with the senior players”.
“I saw the good news on internet. To be honest, I was a bit surprised. Relatively being a new man had not anticipated my inclusion in the squad. Now I hope to be in the final squad and that is my ultimate goal”.
The 22-year-old right arm fast bowler Shehan Madhushanka started playing cricket in school in Pannala National school. Then he joined St Joseph college and had also represented his Under-19 school cricket team. After schooling he joined Negambo Cricket Club and fast bowling Academy, Colombo. He has played in South Africa and Zimbabwe for development team. Has toured West Indies with National A team and played T10 International League in Dubai.
Shehan Madhushanka’s family members (father Jagat Pushpakumara, mother: Rasika Nilrukshi Dias, two brothers and girlfriend (Pawani Niwartahana) were equally delighted with the news.
“It is only with their encouragement I have been playing cricket”.
“If I can fulfil my dream to cement place in the national squad, credit should also go to my school and college staff and also fast bowling coaches like Chamila Gamage, Darshana Gamage, Nuwan Zoysha and trainer Dilshan Fonseka”, he said. “I have to concentrate more on my fitness.”
