DDCA: Ex-Test batter Roshene Silva makes ‘classy’ century for Buckley Ridges

Buckley Ridges coach Manjula Munasinghe says ex-Test batter Roshene Silva is the showing his new teammates how to deliver under pressure. Here’s how.

Buckley Ridges coach Manjula Munasinghe feels ex-Test bat Roshene Silva is teaching his teammates a lesson in thriving under pressure.

Silva compiled a classy 129 against North Dandenong to steer the Bucks to an ominous 9-324.

It comes after he was in the middle of holding the Bucks’ innings together against Beaconsfield before rain ended the match.

Munasinghe said Silva’s determination has been lost on some Bucks batters during collapses in the past.

“Buckley previously, when falling apart, couldn’t hold it together,” he said.

“You’ve seen it before, lose a few grand finals under pressure with the bat, he’s showing them how to play a classy knock under pressure.

“He’s the cool head we needed in our team.

“He’s a special person, a Test cricketer, he just knows how to handle the game, the situation well.

“That’s a key point; we lost a few wickets early and he kept a nice head and kept the score ticking.

“He knows the game very well, so he was good to add onto the team.”

Roshene Silva leaves the field after his 129.

Silva in action for Sri Lanka. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA / AFP)

Despite being on the small confines of Park Oval, Silva didn’t clear the rope once, with onlookers confident he didn’t hit the ball in the air until deep into his innings.

Munasinghe is looking forward to seeing more long Silva knocks but won’t hold him as the sole linchpin in the Bucks batting card.

“He just kept batting, he didn’t throw it away, hardly played a bad shot,” he said.

“He suits us more with two-day cricket, 80 overs, the grand final is going to be 80 overs so I think it suits that he is that type of player.

“We will play as we go, if he gets runs that’s good, but we have a pretty good batting line-up anyway.

“We’re promoting a lot of juniors too, so hopefully they’ll get some runs and experience.”

Elsewhere, Springvale South set Hallam Kalora Park 9-269 courtesy of half-centuries from Jordan Mackenzie (70 from 119) and Jordan Wyatt (71 from 80).

Jordan Hammond took 5-54 from 19 overs for the Hawks.

54 from captain-coach Mark Cooper and 52 not out from Trishane De Silva has guided Beaconsfield to 7-236 against Narre South.

St Mary’s is 6-67 in pursuit of Berwick’s 10-129.