Former Sri Lankan Test fast bowler Chanaka Welegedara joins DDCA
The left-arm paceman, who played 21 Test matches, has landed at Turf 1 club Buckley Ridges, crossing from Strathmore in the VTCA.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Uda Walawwe Mahim Bandaralage Chanaka Asanka Welegedara.
It’s a long name but the shortened version will be seen in DDCA Turf 1 scorebooks next season.
A day after securing English County batsman Ian Cockbain, Buckley Ridges has confirmed it has also recruited former Sri Lankan international Chanaka Welegedara.
The 39-year-old left-arm paceman played Test, ODI and T20 matches for Sri Lanka between 2007 and 2015.
He migrated to Australia in 2015.
Buckley Ridges president Sonny De Silva said Welegedara would be an excellent addition to the club.
“Wele, as he is fondly known in the cricketing circles, knew exactly what he wanted,” De Silva said.
“He had done his research on Buckley, as we had on him, and he wanted to be part of a winning formula … and also be able to guide youngsters as he will be a Level 3 coach soon.
“Wele comes highly recommended by long-term club sponsor Ron Meerwald as well as other cricketing contacts. He is not only a good cricketer but a person of good character who will fit in well with the Buckley culture.
“This is another cricketing coup in managing to get the best talent around to our club, and in this instance a cricketer with lots of Test match and first class (115 matches) experience under his belt.”
Welegedara played 21 Test matches, taking 55 wickets at an average of 41.32.
He made his debut against England in 2007, and his best figures of 5-52 came against South Africa.
His last Test was against Pakistan in August 2014.
He played 10 ODIs, debuting against India at Rajkot in 2009, achieving his best return of 5-66 against India. There were also two T20 internationals and 121 List A matches.
Welegedara battled injuries throughout his career and moved to Australia after being overlooked for selection for a home series against Pakistan.
He spent the first two seasons with Westmeadows in Melbourne’s western suburbs and crossed to Strathmore in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association.
Last season he took 21 wickets at 19.4 for Strathmore in VTCA Senior Division.
Welegedara also holds a Test record of sorts — as the only player to have six initials.