Hallam Kalora Park coach Matt Cox was over the moon with his side’s latest signing

A Dandenong District contender has added to its already promising list with a rival super star who has Test cricket experience. See the latest.

Mahela Udawatte

Hallam Kalora Park coach Matt Cox said he fills a gap.

The Turf 1 preliminary finalist have secured the services of former Test batter Mahela Udawatte from rival club Buckley Ridges.

“It’s not often you get a chance to sign a bloke who has played Test cricket,” Cox said.

“We know we’re close, we just needed to add that experience at number three to have that extra bit like the other big teams.”

Mahela Udawatte has signed with Hallam Kalora Park.

Udawatte – who has made two Test appearances for Sri Lanka – played the last two summers with the Bucks, plundering 1087 runs across both formats.

Despite that success, Cox said the elegant left-hander has no expectation or benchmark for success.

“A lot relied on me and Jordy (Hammond) in that middle order at four and five, so having him, he’s absolute class,” he said.

“He will bat at (number) three and just his experience… he is absolute class.

“One thing we’re god at at Hallam is there is no expectation, as long as he plays his part and does what he has to do, we know we have a good side.”

The Hawks have retained all of their list from the 2022-23 season.