Ramanayake to go on fast bowler treasure hunt

Former Sri Lanka fast bowler and Bangladesh High Performance coach is set to go in search of quick bowling talents across the country.

Ramanayake will be looking to expand the nation’s talent pool by scouring Bangladesh for naturally gifted quick bowlers.

The man who is in his second stint with the BCB, having served in the same position from 2008 to 2010, is mulling over a nationwide search beyond the formal cricket structures.

Ramanayake is quoted by ESPN Cricinfo as saying: “The coaching will be the same but maybe I will look into the youngsters who have never been seen before.

“I am thinking of going around the country to find raw talent. Definitely there is talent, because cricket is big in the country. There should be lot of players with natural talent, so I am looking forward to finding them.”

The coach considers himself something of an expert in developing young talent having worked with young quicks in Sri Lanka for 14 years.

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He went on: “I have worked for SLC for 14 years as a bowling coach. Early on I was working on the development side; working day to day with the youngsters helped me build a relationship and their confidence level.

“The biggest thing you can give them is confidence, that they can do the job. The biggest satisfaction you can get as a coach is when you develop someone.

“You shouldn’t make too many changes to natural ability. That’s my philosophy.

“In Sri Lanka, we produced lot of freaks from nowhere because of their natural talent.

“Sometimes, people try to change too many things and then you lose the natural ability. Everyone is different in this world, so you have to treat them differently. Actions are different so as long as they produce results and are effective, that’s the main thing.”

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