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Herath rested, Weerakoon set to make debut
Wednesday, 13 June 2012 - 10:41 AM SL Time
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Left-arm spinner Sajeewa Weerakoon is set to make his ODI debut for Sri Lanka in the third One Day International to be played at R. Premadasa International Stadium on Wednesday.
The veteran left-arm spinner from Tamil Union Cricket Club made his first-class debut in 1995 against the touring Englishmen and has so far claimed 693 wickets in 161 first-class matches. Having been a member of the Sri Lanka national squad for many a time during the last decade, it`s amazing that he couldn`t find a place in the national side after series of five wickets hauls for Sri Lanka `A` teams since the late nineties.
The national selectors decided that Rangana Herath needs a rest before the all-important Test series against Pakistan and he is ruled out for the remaining three ODI`s against Pakistan . Weerakoon was called into the national squad a couple of days ago but he didn`t travel to Kandy , where Herath played in the first two One Day Internationals in Pallekale.
Sri Lanka skipper, Mahela Jayawardene is highly confident of Weerakoon and also Pakistan `s weakness against left- arm spin.
`Personally I feel he is a deserving candidate and hopefully he will get his opportunity tomorrow,` Jayawardene said at a pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
`He has been in the shadows of Murali, Malinga Bandara, Herath and Ajantha Mendis for quite some time. He is a fighter. He has lots of experience in club cricket and the A team.` Jayawardene added.
Weerakoon, a product of St. Aloysius College, Galle , was relaxing with his family members when he received the call from team manager, Charith Senanayake.
`I`m really happy and thrilled about this call. I got this call after seven years and seven years means a long time. I made lots of sacrifices during that period,` he said.
`I think I have done enough to convince them (the selectors) that I deserve a place in the Sri Lanka team` Weerakoon said on Tuesday.
When compared to Herath, the six foot Weerakoon has the advantage of height on bouncy tracks. But still there are some other factors too.
Weerakoon, a tough fighter, never gave up his determination, even though his age was not a favorable factor.
`All I wanted was to represent Sri Lanka, at least in one game. I think that`s why I`m here today,` he told reporters
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