“We are only getting the chance while we’re touring here” – Dhananjaya de Silva seeks opportunities for Sri Lanka teammates in County Cricket

Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva wants more opportunities for Sri Lankan players in County Cricket. Silva admitted they were only getting the chance to play in English conditions when they are touring there. 

The Dhananjaya de Silva-led team gave a run for their money to England in the opening Test at Old Trafford, Manchester but lost by five wickets. The visitors came up with a collective show with Kamindu Mendis scoring a fine knock of 113 runs in the second innings.

De Silva also led from the front as he scored a crucial knock of 76 runs when the top-order batters struggled in the first innings.

Dhananjaya de Silva said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo, “Playing in these conditions will be better for the batsmen. We are only getting the chance while we’re touring here. But if the batsmen can play county [cricket], it’ll be nice for them.”

The right-hander is hopeful of getting a county deal if he continues his good form in the remaining two Test matches.

“The last few years, I wanted to get a county deal. I didn’t get it so far. If I can do well in this series, hopefully, I will be picked by one of the counties. It is my dream to play a season of county cricket,” he added.

Meanwhile, Vishwa Fernando is the only player in Sri Lanka squad, who has played in County cricket this season for Yorkshire.

De Silva also opened up on playing in the tough English conditions and admitted the line and length are troubling him more than the speed.

“The speed is not troubling me, but the line and length. The opening bowler (Chris Woakes), he bowls in one area for 20 to 30 balls and that’s the problem we have: with the swinging ball, not the pace… if the plans work here, we’ll get on top.”

The second Test match between England and Sri Lanka will be played at Lord’s, starting August 29.