Kalpage appointed coach of Emerging team as SLC restructures coaching staff

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Ruwan Kalpage has been appointed as Head Coach of Emerging team with former opening batsman Avishka Fernando taking over as Head Coach of the ‘A’ team. Jehan Mubarak has been handed the reins of Sri Lanka Under-19 team. The coaching unit of SLC has seen several key changes being made bringing in expertise of retired former cricketers.

Kalpage brings with him a wealth of knowledge. He has held various positions with the national team from fielding coach to spin bowling coach and had a stint in Bangladesh as well before returning home. Gunawardene, meanwhile, has been employed in several positions including as Batting Coach of the national team. Now he settles down as the ‘A’ team coach. Gunawardene’s coaching methods has received high praise from several players.

A key appointment is that of Dhammika Sudarshana, who has produced some quality players during his stint with Richmond College, Galle. Although Sudarshana joined SLC last year, his coaching role was unclear. He joins the Emerging team as Batting Coach. Another notable inclusion is Sampath Perera, who tasted a lot of success with Trinity College, Kandy. Known as someone who is very good at spotting talent, Sampath will function as Batting Coach of the Under-19 team.

Meanwhile SLC announced a strong Emerging team for the upcoming tour of England where they will play three Four day matches and three T-20 games. The team departs for London on the 1st of May.

All-rounder Kamindu Mendis was set to lead the Emerging team but now that he has been drafted into the national team for the two match Test series in Bangladesh, Nipun Dananjaya will lead the side. Dhananjaya Lakshan will captain the T-20 side.

Sri Lanka Emerging Team

Nipun Dananjaya (Captain), Dhananjaya Lakshan (T20 Captain), Lasith Croospulle, Avishka Perera, Santhush Gunathilaka, Avishka Tharindu, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Ashen Bandara, Dunith Wellalage, Dilum Sudeera, Ashain Daniel, Nipun Malinga, Nipun Ransika, Manelkar de Silva, Yasiru Rodrigo, Udith Madushan and Amshi De Silva.

Coaching appointments:

Sri Lanka ‘A’ Team

Avishka Gunawardene– Head Coach

Thilina Kandamby – Assistant Coach

Malinda Warnapura – Batting Coach

Sajeewa Weerakoon – Bowling Coach

Upul Chandana – Fielding Coach

Emerging Team

Ruwan Kalpage – Head Coach

Ruvin Peiris – Assistant Coach

Dharshana Gamage – Bowling Coach

Dhammika Sudarshana – Batting Coach

Under 19 Team

Jehan Mubarak – Head Coach

Sampath Perera – Assistant / Batting Coach

Chamila Gamage – Bowling Coach

Gayan Wijekoon – Fielding Coach