Mickey Arthur says Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka are generational talents
Sri Lanka coach Mickey Arthur has heaped lavish praise on two young batsmen whom he feels the team can be built around for the next decade in Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka.
Nissanka and Asalanka are already threatening to carve out an exciting new era of Sri Lanka punching above their weight like the islanders’ great teams of the past.
They have seized the number one and number three slots in the Sri Lanka top order but must now brace for the top teams honing in on their weaknesses.
Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka to learn at World Cup
Arthur believes this T20 World Cup will be a great learning experience for the future leaders of Sri Lanka cricket.
“I’ve watched every cricketer now in Sri Lanka, but I don’t see batting talent like Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka,” Arthur said. “As a coaching staff and a selection panel, we’ve got to keep giving opportunities to young players, because in the next couple of years they’re going to be the leaders in the batting department.
“I’ve always said since the first time I saw Pathum that he’s a wonderful talent. His balance, his feet movement, when he attacks and defends are great. He’s got it all. We saw that on Test debut. He’s played every form now over the last sort of nine months for us. He’s going to play every form, because I think him and Charith are generation next for Sri Lanka in terms of batting.”
Charith Asalanka: ‘I backed myself to play my natural game’
Arthur is particularly proud when he reflects on Asalanka’s journey to becoming a key player for Sri Lanka and T20 World Cup match-winner.
“To see Charith’s development has been incredible,” Arthur said. “I remember Charith arriving into our bubble just before we went to England, and to see Charith’s journey from England to where he is now is a credit to himself. The way he’s gone about his work, the professionalism that he’s shown, and his preparation for every game has been fantastic. To see a young player like Charith get better and better has been very rewarding for us.”
Sri Lanka face Australia on Thursday in their second Super 12s match after seeing off Bangladesh on Sunday.
Latest
-
Big Bash LeagueThe dozen English stars you don’t want to miss in Australia’s Big Bash League
England’s dashing dozen are set to dazzle downunder.
-
Test cricketAjaz Patel joins elite club as he bags all ten wickets in India’s first innings
Ajaz Patel joins Jim Laker and Anil Kumble on the pedestal.
-
The AshesJustin Langer still haunted by Ben Stokes’ Headingley heroics but welcomes his return
The all-rounder produced the performance of a lifetime when the sides faced each other on English soil two-and-a-half years ago.
-
-
Test cricketSecond Test: Bangladesh vs Pakistan – Day one – Scoreboard
Follow Bangladesh vs Pakistan live!
-
Test cricketShaheen Afridi relishes his Pakistan new-ball partnership with Hasan Ali
Shaheen Afridi has 44 Test wickets to his name this year while Hasan Ali has 39.
-
Test cricketVirat Kohli dismissal sparks furious debate over TV umpires and DRS
Virat Kohli fumes as TV umpires makes questionable call.
-
Test cricketOn this day in cricket history: Muttiah Muralitharan breaks Test wickets world record
The all-time great Sri Lanka off-spinner reached the landmark by bowling Paul Collingwood in the first Test against England in Kandy.
-
County CricketAndrew Gale and Martyn Moxon among 16 to leave Yorkshire due to racism crisis
The county have parted company with their entire coaching team in the wake of Azeem Rafiq racism investigation.
-
The AshesBen Stokes enjoys valuable batting practice during Ashes warm-up match
The all-rounder has been playing for the first time since taking an indefinite break from all cricket in July to prioritise his mental well-being.