Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne to move to Australia, joins VTCA club Keilor

Just weeks after a former Sri Lankan international landed in the VTCA, there has been several other impressive signings.

Dimuth Karunaratne will join Keilor. Photo: AFP.

Keilor Cricket Club coach Duncan Harrison says the realisation his club has signed a former Sri Lankan captain hasn’t “sunk in”.

Former Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne will join Victorian Turf Cricket Association outfit Keilor for the next three seasons, in a move the club announced on Tuesday night.

Karunaratne is no stranger to local cricket in Melbourne having previously turned out for Endeavour Hills in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association.

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Speaking to this masthead on Wednesday, Harrison said the move for the 36-year-old had “evolved quite quickly”.

“We started some conversations with club networks and other networks we had established ourselves and it all went from there,” Harrison said.

“What Dimuth would be able to teach our guys in one year, let alone three seasons is going to be massive for our group.

“The club’s strategy has always to bring in people for the long-term. We want to bring in quality people to add to our club.

“We’re aiming to keep all of our current players and we may look to add another but that’s something we will work through in the off-season.”

Karunaratne played in the recent series against Australia where the tourists claimed a 2-0 win.

Speaking to the media after the series in Galle, Karunaratne said he was heading for Melbourne.

“I’m going to Australia to do my level two and level three coaching, that’s my next plan,” he said.

“When you play 100 games of Test match cricket, it doesn’t mean you can coach so you have to learn coaching.

“I just want to first complete those level two and level three, and spend some time with my family like two or three years and coach a few one-to-one sessions, and get to know those little things.

“And of course I will play some club cricket in Australia in season, in December.”

Keilor finished the Senior Division eighth on the ladder with a record of three wins and six losses.

Harrison said there had been plenty of lessons.

“We’re disappointed, it’s always an aim to play finals,” he said.

“It’s a tough competition, you can’t turn up and be one per cent off because you’ll be beaten. We managed to get games into the younger guys and they’re learning all the time.

“We want to take the next step and we’re looking forward to continuing the development of our group.”

OTHER RECRUITS CONFIRMED

Keilor confirmed its second international recruit with the arrival of top order batter Harry Warwick. During the 2024 season, he scored just shy of 800 runs at an average of 41 including two centuries. This will be Warwick’s first season in Australia.

Westmeadows has confirmed the return of Jordan Kosteas after a five season stint with Greenvale Kangaroos in Premier Cricket. During his time at the level, he played 19 First XI games. Kosteas will slot into the Warriors’ top order.

Division 1 outfit Seddon has confirmed the arrival of Scottish quick Adrian Neill. The tall and lanky quick spent the 2023-24 season with Sydenham-Hillside.