Premier Cricket: Dandenong locks in Sri Lankan Suraj Randiv
Suraj Randiv was a marquee player for the Panthers in the Super Slam last season but he’ll spend the entire summer at Shepley Oval in 2019-20.
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Dandenong has signed a former Test spinner and is sourcing a UK paceman as it replenishes its bowling stocks for the 2019-20 Victorian Premier Cricket season.
The Panthers last night ratified their recruitment of Sri Lankan international Suraj Randiv.
The 34-year-old played for HSD in the Dandenong association last season but joined Dandenong for its Super Slam campaign.
The tall offie topped the competition wicket tally, with his haul of 3-21 helping Dandy defeat Carlton in the final at the MCG.
Randiv has a remarkable first-class record: from 149 matches he’s captured 681 wickets at 25.52, with a best of 9-61.
He played 12 Test matches, the first in 2010 and the last in 2012, taking 43 wickets.
There were also 31 ODI and seven T20 appearances for Sri Lanka.
Dandenong president Gary Davidson said this afternoon Randiv was a fine player, and his experience and leadership would be an asset to the Panthers.
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“He’ll be a very good mentor for not only our younger players, but all of our players,’’ Davidson said.
“We’re really excited to have a cricketer of his ilk on board — he’s a winner, he’s a competitor, he’s committed — and he’s excited to be with us. His message to ‘Speaky’ (coach Nick Speak) was he couldn’t wait to play Premier Cricket. He’s not coming out just to play a bit of cricket. He’s committed to the cause.’’
With the great Darren Pattinson retiring, James Wilcock returning to Berwick and Paddy Turner moving to the Gold Coast, Dandenong needs an edge to its pace attack, and will again bring out a fast bowler from the UK.
Last season Josh Shaw came in for four matches after Christmas. The bustling right-armer was handy with nine wickets at 19.4 and may again fill the overseas-player role.
Triyan De Silvan (Monash Tigers) and Gehan Seneviratne (Carlton) are confirmed recruits for the Panthers.
Both have played at state championship under-age level and are promising but they are yet to establish themselves in Premier Cricket.
The 2019-20 season starts on Saturday, October 5, with Dandenong hosting Melbourne University in a one-dayer.
There will be six rounds of one-day matches, nine rounds of two-dayers and three days of Sunday play.
As with last season, the final series will have a top eight and run over four weeks, with the three-day final starting on Saturday, April 4.
The Super Slam begins on Sunday, October 27.
Meanwhile, Davidson said he was chuffed Speak would be coaching the Victorian Country Under 19 team.
“Great for ‘Speaky’ and great for the players, I reckon,’’ he said.
“He’s got a lot of knowledge … it’s a big coup for the Under 19 program.’’
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