Sri Lanka Emerging Team coach Chaminda Vaas said the tour of South Africa is a good planner for the 2023 World Cup and that all players should make use of the opportunities that lie ahead in preparation four years from now.
“In my view this team must focus on the 2023 World Cup. The Emerging tour is a platform to test cricketers who can perform at the highest level,” said Vaas before their departure to South Africa.
“These players are not strangers to me. Most of them earlier worked with me in the National under-19 team who won the Emerging Asia Cup while some of the players are already in the Sri Lanka team as well as ‘A’ team with high potential.”
Vaas said the team which is captained by all-rounder Charith Asalanka is a well balanced side and all players have got the opportunity to impress the selectors for either a recall or call up for national duties.
“Asalanka has already shown his leadership qualities at the under-19 level and I am sure he will show good leadership during this South African tour. He knows how to handle the team. I have eight batsmen including two wicket keepers, two spinners and five paceman in this squad,” said Vaas who worked with the players for nearly one month before the tour.
During this South African tour the Emerging Team will play a triangular series with the South African Emerging team and the University of Sports South Africa followed by two four-day games.
Some of the other promising players to make the tour are Sammu Ashan, Kamindu Mendis, left arm S. Thomas’ College paceman Kalana Perera and Dilshan Madushanka from Hungama Vijayaba College in Hambantota.
“This tour is not about winning or losing. What is most important is the experience the players gain. The players have to win all challenges concerning their mindset, bowling, batting, fielding and physical fitness,” said Vaas.
He said once the players are out in the middle it is up to them to put into practice what they have learnt and told.
“The coach can’t do everything and the players are out in the middle. Their dedication is more important to develop the skills. The coach can give only guidance to all and they should be aware of their responsibility,” declared Vaas.
Vaas was one of Sri Lanka’s best fast bowling exponents and his assignment as the head coach of the budding Sri Lanka players puts him in line for bigger things according to the experts.