It has been few months since the conclusion of the SLC Premier League Tournament 2014/15 and for the first time in history, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club clinched the trophy. The biggest reason behind their success was the wicket-taking ability of their uncanny left-arm spinner, Malinda Pushpakumara.
The 28-year old slow left-arm orthodox bowler captured a hefty 70 wickets in 20 innings during their 10-match campaign. He bowled 363.2 overs throughout the tournament with an impressive average of 16.72. He took 2 ten-wicket hauls and 4 five-wicket hauls to completely mesmerize the batsmen. The talented spinner is one of the players who have come up through the schools cricket system in Sri Lanka and he shared his thoughts with www.thepapare.com exclusively.
How did you begin your cricket career?
I started playing cricket when I was 13-years old where I first got selected to play for Lumbini College under 13 and that was the beginning of my career. Playing for my school inspired me to come this far and they taught me to have that dream of representing Sri Lanka one day.
What are your achievements during the school days?
I captained all my teams in different age categories. In 2002, I first represented Sri Lanka under 15s when I toured UAE for the Asia Cup and then in 2005 I represented Sri Lanka under 19s against Bangladesh and England. Under Angelo Mathews’ captaincy I played in the 2006 Youth World Cup here in Sri Lanka.
How was your entry into club cricket?
At the end of my school cricket career, I joined Singha Sports Club where I played my debut first-class game against Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club in the 2006/07 season. Afterwards, I represented Saracens Sports Club, Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, Moors Sports Club before joining Sri Lanka Ports Authority Cricket Club this season. In the past three seasons I won the best bowler award twice by topping over 50 wickets in the Premier League.
How do you feel becoming the top wickets-taker in the last season?
I am really happy with what I have achieved. I never thought of becoming the best bowler this year as well, I played to win matches for my team. I had a target of taking 50 wickets or above. It is because of the help given to me by team mates, I was able to touch 70-wicket mark. I am proud of myself that I have performed to the best of my ability as a left-arm spinner in Sri Lanka. This is the most number of wickets I have taken in one season, previous best was 64 wickets.
What is the format you want to play for Sri Lanka?
I would love to represent Sri Lanka in all three formats. There is no big difference; representing Sri Lanka is the main concern for me.
How are you hoping to perform in the Pakistan A series?
It is a big opportunity for me as I am in the peak of my career; I have been selected for the four-day matches, I’m extremely excited to grab this chance with both hands.
What is your normal routine on a practice day?
During a normal practice day, we have 3-hour sessions. I bowl at the batsmen for about 45 minutes and then I work on my fielding before batting. On other days, I do spot bowling individually to get my line, length and rhythm correct.
Do you have any special thing you do before a match?
Well, not exactly. I just go to the temple and do my religious observances before the start of my season or before any tour. I believe it helps me a lot spiritually.
As a cricketer in Sri Lanka, what motivates you to do well?
Certainly it is the fans that encourage us. If I do well in a club match, some of the fans congratulate me personally through Facebook. It certainly inspires all of us to do well and fulfill our dream of representing Sri Lanka one day.
Do you think, you can be the successor of Rangana Herath’s position in the Sri Lanka team after he retires?
I am hopeful that I can play for Sri Lanka soon but it is all up to the selectors. Certainly, Rangana Herath is a very good bowler and it won’t be easy to replace him. I have done my best, fingers crossed. Obviously, I will have to be patient and continue to work hard on my game.
What are your expectations beyond cricket?
After I’m done playing cricket, I have an idea to start-up a business, possibly a restaurant.
Finally, who are the people you want to appreciate?
Before anyone, I want to first thank my father and mother. They have been the two main reasons for my success. Because of them only I am here today. Then I want to sincerely thank Sri Lanka Cricket’s spin bowling coach, Piyal Wijethunge, Sri Lanka A team coach, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Mahesh Weerasinghe and my first coach at Lumbini, Dinesh Weerasinghe. Finally I would like to thank all my team mates for their enduring support.
www.thepapare.com would like to thank Milinda Pushpakumara for lending his time and wish him for his future endeavors.
