When former Australian cricket captain Greg Chappell suggests you get a certain player out from overseas to play cricket, you sit up and listen.
Chappell, now Cricket Australia’s national talent manager, formed a friendship with Sanjaya Chathuranga in Sri Lanka, and thought playing in Melbourne would be beneficial for the development of his game.
Discussions between Chappell and Plenty Valley president Darren Callahan resulted in Chathuranga joining the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association club.
Callahan said he was impressed with Chathuranga’s attitude, on and off the field.
“He had played first-class cricket in Sri Lanka,” Callahan said. “He was a net bowler for an Australian team, and Greg saw him bowling and said he needed to get to Melbourne to play.
“They formed a friendship and, on the advice of Greg, he decided to come to Australia to develop his leg spin, otherwise his game may stagnate.”
Chathuranga’s stint with Plenty Valley is his second in Australia after playing half a season with East Warrnambool YCW earlier this year.
He has already shown a small glimpse of his talent in his short time at Plenty Valley, taking 12 wickets in his past two north-east division games.
“We started him in the twos to get him settled to the conditions. He scored a century in that game,” Callahan said.
“To some degree he is replacing Lorenzo Ingram in the side, a spinner who can also bat well.
“Sanjaya loves cricket and is an amazing spin bowler.
“We’re glad to have him at our club.”
