Sub-District cricket: Former Sri Lankan player Jeevan Mendis joins Noble Park

A decorated Sri Lankan first-class player is the latest high-profile recruit to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

Jeevan Mendis batting for Sri Lanka against Australia at the MCG.

Another former international is heading to the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

Jeevan Mendis, who played in Sri Lanka’s ODI team as recently as 2019, against South Africa, will be joining Noble Park for the second half of the season.

He is relocating to Melbourne.

Mendis is friends with Noble Park captain Janaka Liyanabadalge, who has enticed the 38-year-old to the Subbies.

Noble president Craig Ortland said such an experienced cricketer would benefit the club’s young First XI.

“Rapt to get him,’’ Ortland said.

Kane Richardson and Jeevan Mendis clash during a BBL game.

“He’ll be handy, really handy, give us some stability, which is what we need.

“Last week we opened the batting with a 16-year-old and an 18-year-old, had a 17-year-old at first drop and an 18-year-old at No 5.

“So he’ll come in and give us some experience.’’

Mendis, a leg-spinner and left-hand batsman, made his ODI debut for Sri Lanka in 2010 and went on to play 58 matches, as well as 22 Twenty20 internationals.

At first-class level Mendis had 164 matches, scoring 7883 runs at 35.83, with 21 centuries and a highest score of 206.

He also took 365 wickets at 27.56, with a best return of 9-53.

There was also a stint with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League of 02.

“Jeevan has done really well over the last 18 months in the short forms of the game for Sri Lanka,” Sixers head coach Trevor Bayliss said when the club signed Mendis.

“He debuted when I was over there as coach but has really cemented his position recently as a batting all rounder. He is great running between the wickets, bowls a little leg spin and is a solid fielder. He will be a great addition to our team.”

Noble Park lost to Brunswick in the first match of the second and went down to Strathmore last Saturday, despite a 47-ball half-century from wicketkeeper Rayner Seccull.