The cricket season is still more than four months away, but clubs will find it hard to match the recruiting coup of Westmeadows Cricket Club.
The Victorian Turf Cricket Association club revealed on Thursday night it had signed Sri Lanka international Chanaka Welegedara for the coming season.
Welegedara played 21 Test matches for Sri Lanka, the most recent in August last year.
He took 55 wickets at an average of 42.
He also played 10 one-day internationals and last month equalled the world record for the most economical four-over T20 spell while playing for Tamil Union.
Westmeadows will play in the A1 competition this season, after finishing 11th in north division and being relegated.
Club president Paul Lloyd said the Welegedara signing was a massive boost for the club.
“We identified that we needed an extra bowler and we went out and got one and we are fortunate to get one as good as this.
“It’s something we’ve been working on for a while and it has finally come through.
“It will give us a bit of momentum.”
Welegedara, whose international career is over, will move to Australia once he has finished playing T20 competition in Sri Lanka.
Lloyd said the signing came about through contacts within the club.
“We’ve got a few contacts and some good networks which have been established.
“Chanaka has managed to get Australian permanent residency and was looking for opportunities to play locally and we are fortunate to get to come to us.
“It’s great for the club and the area.”
Welegedra’s arrival at the club will help with the development of younger players.
“He will help coach and teach the boys,’’ Lloyd said.
“He will work well with Danny [Law, the senior coach] and we have appointed Michael Butera to look after the junior development side of things.
“Chanaka will add the icing of the cake.”
As for the season ahead, Lloyd said the club was looking to redeem itself after a disappointing year.
“We are embarrassed and disappointed and we want to win as many games as possible to bounce back up.
“We have maintained most of our playing list and hopefully we aren’t down in A1 for too long.”
