Thisara Perera Leaves Gloucestershire to Join National Team Ahead of ODI Series Against India
Aug 11, 2017 at 3:58 PM
The Story
All-rounder Thisara Perera has retained his place for the limited-overs side after his name was included in the squad that is set to play against India later this month. The 28-year-old was summoned by the SLC to attend a training camp for the One-Day series.
This news now means that Perera, who was representing Gloucestershire in the Natwest Blast season, wouldn’t be able to make himself available for the rest of the season, as he has already left the County Championship.
He was playing as the overseas player as a replacement for Australian Cameron Bancroft, who appeared in the first two group games.
Stunning News
The news was a surprise for the county, as it was completely unforeseen. Head coach Richard Dawson revealed the news ahead of tomorrow’s (Friday) South Group clash with Sussex at Hove.
Perera has claimed ten wickets in seven group matches, including figures of 1/16 in his debut match, with his seam bowling since joining Gloucestershire during the Cheltenham Festival.
Dawson said:
“It is a blow losing Thisara, but we are hoping to re-register Cameron for the remainder of the competition.
“He batted well for us in the early matches, so hopefully he can come in and do a good job as we look to qualify for the knock-out stage.
“We knew there was a possibility of Thisara having to return to Sri Lanka at some stage, but it has happened a bit sooner than expected.”
Sri Lanka will play a five-match series after the end of the ongoing Test series which will culminate after the final Test which is set to commence from tomorrow (12th August) in Kandy, Pallekelle. The hosts have already lost the series after having conceded a 2-0 lead in the three match series with losses at Galle and Colombo.