Local cricket: Former Test player Kaushal Silva joins Box Hill North Super Kings

Life just got a little tougher for bowlers in the Box Hill Reporter District association with news a 39-Test batsman is joining the competition.

Sri Lanka's Kaushal Silva hitting out against the Australians at Colombo in 2016.

A Silva lining for local cricket.

Former Sri Lankan Test opener Kaushal Silva has joined the Box Hill Reporter District association as playing coach of the Box Hill North Super Kings.

The 35-year-old played 39 Test matches, the most recent in 2018 against England at Pallekele.

He scored 2099 runs at 28.36, hitting centuries against Bangladesh, Pakistan and Australia.

His 115 against the Australians came at Colombo in August, 2016 against an attack of Mitch Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland, helping his country to a 163-run victory.

Silva is now loving in Melbourne and was coach of Premier Cricket club Greenvale Kangaroos two years ago.

Last season he played at Donvale in the Eastern Cricket Association, cracking 368 runs at 40.89.

Kaushal Silva celebrates a century against Australia.

Box Hill North Super Kings’ First XI plays in the top grade of its competition, the Ray McIntosh Shield.

Last season it finished seventh on the ladder with five wins and eight losses.

President Steve Carusi said Silva’s appointment had created excitement at the club.

“We’ve been working hard to get things right off the field; we’ve had our rooms done and we’ve got new grounds and facilities (at Elgar Park),’’ he said.

“The next step is something like this (appointing Silva). We needed strong leadership and that’s what Kaushal brings to the table.

“He’s not only a great cricketer but a genuine person. That’s the best part of it. Fantastic bloke, just ticks all the boxes.’’

Last season the club operated four senior and two veterans teams, and it’s aiming to re-establish juniors in 2021-22.

Carusi said Silva would play a big part in the under-age program.

“We’ll probably have at least one Under 10 side up and going,’’ he said. “It’s been a long time coming.’’

Silva played 209 first-class matches, scoring 13, 932 runs at 46.44, with a highest score of 273. There were 46 centuries and 54 half-centuries.

“A collected right-hand batsman with a firm technique, Kaushal Silva churned out hundred after hundred in first-class cricket until the sheer volume in his output could no longer be ignored by the national selectors,’’ his Cricinfo profile states.

Another former Sri Lankan player was in the news this week, with paceman Chanaka Welegedara returning to Strathmore ahead of its entry to Sub-District cricket.