Tillakaratne Dilshan signs with Mulgrave for ECA’s T20 tournament
One of the most entertaining batsmen in cricket history is set to light up the Eastern Cricket Association’s T20 competition.
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Former international star Tillakaratne Dilshan is poised to light up Mulgrave Reserve on Tuesday as the opening round of the Eastern Cricket Association’s Kookaburra T20 Cup is staged.
Ex-Sri Lanka captain Dilshan has signed on with Mulgrave for the tournament and will take the field against Trinity Willison tonight.
Among the most entertaining batsmen in cricket history, Dilshan logged 5492 from 87 Test matches at an average of just under 41, including 16 centuries and 23 half-centuries.
The right-hander was one of the world’s elite players in the shorter formats, hammering 10,290 runs from 330 one-day internationals at 39.27.
He hit 22 tons and 47 half-centuries with a best score of 161 not out.
Dilshan also made 80 appearances for his country in T20I matches, returning 1889 runs at 28.19 at a strike rate of more than 120.
“It’s amazing for the club, the community, the juniors – it’s done so much already with the exposure we’ve got for Mulgrave,” club president Malin Pullenayegam said.
“Everybody’s got their hands on their heads and can’t believe what’s happening with the opportunity that’s presented itself.
“Everybody is pretty excited and there’s been a lot of planning involved.”
The ECA’s T20 competition is a knockout tournament, and Dilshan will be available as long as Mulgrave progresses.
Pullenayegam credited Trinity Willison for agreeing to change venues, with the game originally scheduled at its home ground. Mulgrave is expecting a crowd of about 300-400 to attend.
Dilshan lives in Beaconsfield and Mulgrave secured his signature “through a few contacts”.
The 44-year-old joined Premier Cricket club Casey-South Melbourne earlier this month and has scores of 53 and 16 at the top of the order.
“There’s big Sri Lankan fans in our club as well, and he was more than happy to jump in and help out. Credit to him as well,” Pullenayegam said.
“In local cricket it’s unheard of I think to have an international Test captain with so many records to come and play.
“I can’t express how thrilled we are to have him at the club.”
Tonight’s clash at Mulgrave Reserve will start at 5.30pm, with food, drinks and live music available.
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