Chandimal joins Lord’s century makers

By Ranjan ANANDAPPA

CRICKET: A century at the ‘Mecca of Cricket’ The Lords cricket grounds in England, is any cricketer’s dream. Lokuge Dinesh Chandimal, the Observer/Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of the year 2009, achieved this feat a couple of months ago when he guided Sri Lanka to a ODI series win, scoring 111 in the Sri Lanka – England One-Day series. The significant aspect of his innings was reaching his three figure mark with a six.

Chandimal made steady progress while representing Ananda College after a stint at Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda and topped the 1,500 run mark while at Ananda. After his school career he joined NCC and from there he blossomed out to be one of the most outstanding young cricketers.

At the age of 19, he struck his maiden first class hundred against New Zealand while representing a Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI in 2009. The New Zealand team comprised Daniel Vettori, Chris Martin, Daryll Tuffy, Ian O’Brien and Jacob Oram to name a few.

With the backing of the hundred against the Kiwis and a very fruitful Inter Provincial T20 Tournament, Chandimal was selected to represent the country for the T20 World Cup held in the West Indies.

Chandimal is an opening batsman/wicket-keeper and he is a big admirer of former Test player Romesh Kaluvitharana for his aggressive style of batting. He has also scored centuries against India and England at Under 19 level. Chandimal, proved his capabilities beyond doubt scoring 111 against India in a Tri-Nation series in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude towards the Sunday Observer/Mobitel Schoolboy Cricketer of The Year competition which has lasted for the past 30 years as a very important event in the school cricket calendar.

This contest gives great encouragement and inspiration for the young cricketers who are seeking to forge ahead after leaving school. It provides great encouragement not only to cricketers in Colombo schools but for the ones who represent the outstation schools as well. We have seen a whole lot of youngsters emerging from far away places as well. It also gives a good assessment of yourself that was Chandimal’s frank opinion.

Chandimal is presently in the Sri Lanka Test squad to play Australia, he should soon be called to win Test honours.