One of the players who have cemented his place in the Sri Lanka cricket team amid the changes taking place is middle order left hand batsman Charith Asalanka as he was adjudged man of the series in the concluded three-match ODIs against South Africa this week.
“I always like to face any challenge and go forward,’’ said the promising left hander Charith Asalanka.
“I was always very keen to play under pressure as a batsman and never feared the bowlers. This is my success as a batsman.
“I work hard as a batsman and If I have anything to clarify I always get assistance from my supporting staff and focus more on my training.
“I have already played eight one-day games with 326 runs with three half centuries. But I don’t like to be called an ODI or T-20 player.
“I got a chance to enter the Test squad in 2018 against England at Pallekele but didn’t get the chance to enter the team.
“But I want to play Test matches which is the best format of cricket,” added Asalanka.
Asalanka captained the Sri Lanka U-19 team and had Waninidu Hasaranga de Silva and Kamindu Mendis in the side who made their international debuts before him.
“During the last England tour I couldn’t perform with the bat. However I was determined to work hard with my batting”, he recalled as he made some vital contributions with the bat during the domestic SLC Invitational tournament before the South Africa series.
“My captain Dasun Shanaka prefers me at number five and I am very happy to come in at this position and it’s a very responsible slot. I always like to bat with more responsibility.
“We have a good young side with good leadership from Dasun Shanaka. He always tries to create a good environment for players on and off the field.
“We always maintain a good environment in our dressing room and that is very important.
“We always focus on the game and ready to take up any challenges” said Asalanka, the former Richmond College skipper.