England Under-19 reach 358 for seven in Derby

Rex Clementine in Derby

Sri Lanka’s Head Coach from 2019 to 2021 Mickey Arthur was keen on renewing his contract but SLC had introduced a new system where all coaches whose contracts were expiring had to reapply. Around the same time, a lucrative offer from English county Derbyshire came along for the man who had coached four international teams – South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka – and it was too good an offer not to take. Arthur parted ways with Sri Lanka on good terms, something that most foreign coaches haven’t enjoyed with their terms ending prematurely.

Arthur popped up to watch the second day’s play of the second unofficial Test match between Sri Lanka and England Under-19s and was impressed with the manner the young Sri Lankans had adapted to conditions having taken a 1-0 lead in the two match series. He was seen having a long conversation with Sri Lanka Under-19 Head Coach Jehan Mubarak. Both men are renowned for teaching young players key aspects of professionalism in cricket other than the tactical and technical side in the game.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were guilty of giving away too many freebies in the first Test although they managed to get 20 wickets. They seemed to have learned from their mistakes changing their lines and not offering the batsmen too much width as England under-19 scored less than three runs an over on day one and the rate slightly improved on the second day. That was a complete contrast from Chelmsford where the hosts were going at more than five run an over.

Opening batsman Harry Singh completed his century having batted for more than six hours and faced 304 deliveries. There were just six boundaries in his knock.

Mahanama College’s Duvindu Ranatunga continued to impress. Not only does the 17-year-old generate good pace, he’s also accurate. Ranatunga dismissed Bertie Foreman for 12 when he was caught at mid-off.

Although not as accurate as Ranatunga, Sahan Mihira was the quickest of the Sri Lankan bowlers and he cleaned up Harry Singh for 107. Hailing from St. John’s College, Panadura, Mihira has adapted to challenges at international level well although he plays Division II cricket.

The third wicket to fall on the day came when Tom Lawes was run out by a brilliant piece of fielding from Vinuja Ranpul, who threw down the stumps with a direct hit all the way from mid-wicket.