Why JSS nominee Ishwa Wijenayake is keen pursue a cricketing career
Ishwa Wijenayake has a burning ambition to make it to the highest grades in cricket.
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Ishwa Wijenayake has a burning ambition to make it to the highest grades in cricket.
Ishwa is relying on his quality off spin to provide him the big breaks in cricket. So far, the 13-year-old Kellyville local is spinning his way to that goal.
This week’s nominee for the Junior Sports Star finished the 2015/16 season as the leading wicket taker — 21 — in the Blacktown District Cricket Association under 14 Division 1 competition. This was a huge improvement on his 2014/15 tally of 12 wickets.
A regular with Kellyville Ridge CC, Ishwa also played for Sydney West School cricket team in the NSW PSSA 2015 boys State Cricket Championship.
“I am trying to get into the Emerging Blues under-15 team and then eventually play first grade as I want to pursue my cricket,” Ishaw said.
“I am playing cricket throughout the year and enjoying indoor and winter cricket too.”
Ishwa claimed the remarkable figures of 7 for 6 from 8.4 overs last season against Rooty Hill RSL.
This was the best bowling figures for the season and won him the McDonald’s Junior Cricketer of the Week for metropolitan Sydney in February.
“This was my best figures and I am very pleased as I have been working on improving my techniques, various and accuracy,” said Ishwa, who is coached by his dad Amal, who played cricket in Sri Lanka.
“My role models in cricket are Tillekeratne Dilshan in batting and Rangana Herath in bowling.
“I need to improve my batting (he scored a half century last season) and I practice at least four days a week.”
The Kellyville High School student is also into different sports, playing basketball and football.
■ The Junior Sports Star awards are proudly sponsored by Rebel.
■ To nominate someone you know, visit: www. juniorsports star.com.au
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