[P]enrith Cricket Club Chairman Andy Hall says that the arrival of the Sri Lankan A player, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, will herald a new start to Penrith’s Northern Premier League campaign.
“Bhanuka’s had a very successful home season, his last innings were 121 and 81, and he is late arriving because Sri Lanka wanted him to be available for their squads!
“Our young side has had a very tough start, and has improved dramatically each match. Bhanuka will give them just the boost they need to find their feet at this level of cricket. He is an aggressive left hand bat, and bowls a fast medium pace. His experience and ability will also take the pressure off the more experienced players like Greg Hall and Skipper Jonathan Osborne, I’m really looking forward to seeing him in action!”
Bhanuka will make his debut at the T20 game on Saturday at Barrow-in-Furness’s Ernest Pass ground.
He toured the UK with Sri Lanka A, so should have some idea of English conditions, and the pace of the grounds. His record in all forms of the game is impressive, with 3 centuries and 12 fifties in the first class game, and a top score off 174.
He has taken 30 wickets at 28.23 runs each. He’s played 33 T20 games scoring 587 runs in 28 innings with a top score of 58, and taking 11 wickets with a best of 3 for 29