“I want to be a genuine spin-bowling all-rounder” – Milinda Siriwardana

997

Sri Lanka Cricket is in the process of rebuilding their cricketing resources to bring about the best effect and from the recently concluded SLC Premier League Tournament 2014/15, they discovered an able left-arm spinner and a classy left-hand batsman in one package, Milinda Siriwardana. 

The 29-year old talented all-rounder from Kalutara mustered 1144 runs in 10 matches with an average of 67.29 to become the top run-scorer in the SLC Premier League Tournament 2014/15 and he led his little-known club, Badureliya SC to their first ever SLC Twenty20 championship to cap off a dream season. The 5 feet 11 inches tall future Sri Lankan prospect shared his cricket journey exclusively with www.thepapare.com.

 

How did you begin your cricket ?

I started my cricket from Kalutara Vidyalaya. My first coach was Mr. Sunil Saluwadana who taught me the basics of cricket. I never changed my school as I continued to play there in the age categories of under 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19. I was used to be a left-arm fast bowler but unexpectedly I became a spinner due to my coach’s advises.

 

How was your entry into club cricket? 

I played for Kalutara Physical Cricket Club, Kaluatara Town Cricket Club and Crusaders Cricket Club while I was still schooling. After I toured with the Sri Lanka under 19s in 2004, I joined Sebastianites Cricket and Athletic Club and made my first-class debut in 2005 against CCC. After playing two seasons at that club, I then moved to Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, Ragama Cricket Club and Colts Cricket Club respectively before I joined Badureliya Sports Club as the captain for this season.

 

How was the challenge of captaincy while playing for Badureliya?

I had a big responsibility as the captain but while I was batting, I never let it disturb my batting style or to hamper my concentration. I played my usual game.

 

Were you planning to be the top run-scorer before the start of the season?

Yes, I had a clear goal of scoring 800 runs and taking 25 wickets. I am extremely happy to score 1144 runs and become the first in Sri Lanka though I only took 20 wickets.

 

Who is your cricket idol?

It is our very own Kumar Sangakkara, he is my favourite and I like Mahela Jayawardene too. They are great gentlemen on and off the field.

 

What format of Cricket do you wish to play in  for Sri Lanka? 

I would love to represent Sri Lanka in all three formats. In the past, I have performed well in T20s and 50-over games but this season, I was very consistent in the longer format.

 

What is the impact you plan to make in the upcoming Pakistan A series?

It will be a great opportunity for me but I will not put any extra pressure on myself. I believe, the best way to get into the Sri Lanka national team is as an all-rounder and I want to be a genuine spin-bowling all-rounder.

 

Do you have any suggestions to improve the domestic cricket structure in Sri Lanka?

Actually my personal opinion is that the current system, where there are 14 teams with over 200 players reduces the quality of cricket. They should bring down the number of first-class teams to 10 which will enhance the quality and competitiveness.

 

Any plans after cricket?

I had a dream since my childhood to open a restaurant and I have already made few arrangements for that.

 

Finally, who are the people you want to appreciate?

Firstly, I want to thank my first coach, Mr. Sunil Saluwadana and then all the coaches namely, Praneeth Peiris, Sumithra Warnakulasuriya, Anusha Samaranayake, Piyal Wijethunge, Ruwin Peiris, Lanka De Silva, Gayan Wijekoon and Romesh Kaluwitharana. I would like to appreciate all my team mates, family and friends as well for their unending support.

 

Thepapare.com would like to thank Milinda Siriwardana for lending his time and wish him for his future endeavours.