9 Nuwan Pradeep

Aththachchi Fernando

Nuwan Pradeep has earned praise in Sri Lanka for bowling almost identically to Lasith Malinga. Unfortunately for the paceman, his statistics haven’t been as prolific as his slinging teammate. In an interesting development, Pradeep didn’t bowl a cricket ball until he was 20.  However, his blinding pace excited selectors, who worked very hard with the promising prospect.  Having played for four different Sri Lankan Premier League teams, Pradeep has certainly gained experience over the country.  His 65 wickets in 40 matches has impressed many cricketing pundits, and left opposition players running for cover.  The only downside to his bowling is a lengthy run-up, which means he struggles to bowl spells of more than five overs.  While his bowling might have caught the eye of national selectors, it is fair to say that his batting has done him no favours.  104 runs in 40 matches at an average of 3.35 makes Glenn McGrath look like a top-order player. Pradeep made his Test debut against Pakistan in 2011, but failed to take a wicket.  His match figures of 0-110 summed up Sri Lanka’s poor showing in a game they lost by nine wickets.   His one career wicket at an average of...