Dhananjaya appointed new test captain
2024.01.04
Dhananjaya de Silva has taken over as Sri Lanka’s Test captain from Dimuth Karunaratne.
Dhananjaya de Silva, the 18th player from his nation to captain a Test match, would take Dimuth Karunaratne’s position, according to chief selector Upul Tharanga of Sri Lanka.
For thirty Test matches, Karunaratne has maintained the position, winning twelve, losing twelve, and drawing six. The two Test series victories Sri Lanka had under his direction in the first two games of his tenure were particularly noteworthy since they made history by being the first Asian team and just the third team in history to win a Test series in South Africa.
“Cricket Fans world over, as I finally hand over the reigns of the SL Test Captaincy [sic] after a decent and memorable stint, who better other than to you, Dhananjaya De Silva, an excellent all-round athlete in my books,” Karunaratne said to Facebook. “Over the years, Dhana, I’ve watched you evolve and become a terrific cricket player. A highly astute, ice-cold, and astute cricket brain. I might also add the signature smile you wear on and off the pitch, along with your own style that you adapt! I have every confidence that SL Test Cricket is in excellent hands and will continue under your leadership [sic]. I will be there to help you.
During a turbulent time in Sri Lankan cricket in 2019, Karunaratne assumed leadership and restored peace and calmness to the team’s dressing room. Although the national team’s outcomes were inconsistent, Karunaratne’s finest hitting phase did occur when he was captain. His career average of 40.93 would be far lower than his average of 49.86 when serving as captain. He also rose to the top of the Test batting charts during this time, demonstrating his consistency as Sri Lanka’s go-to player.
His substitute With 51 Test matches under his resume, Dhananjaya has also established himself as a fixture for the national team. He has amassed 10 hundreds and thirteen fifties throughout that time. Starting on February 6, he will be assigned to a one-time Test match against Afghanistan.
With Wanindu Hasaranga leading the T20I squad and Kusal Mendis leading the ODI team, Dhananjaya is Sri Lanka’s third leadership change in as many weeks.
@Charith
