Suranjith to mould young Melbourne cricketers
The 46 year old qualified level two coach has signed on to develop , mentor and nurture the next generations of champions at the club. As a former Sri Lankan first class cricketer who played for Sri Lanka under 19,under 23 and ‘A’ team he has played 127 first class matches with 379 wickets and 2488 runs to his credit unfortunately not selected to represent the National team .
“There was a time I was bowling at my best and expected to receive a call to represent the Sri Lanka team, but it did not happen and that was when I decided to move on and now I am happy to be coaching young spinners in Melbourne,” said Suranjith a product of St. Sebastian’s College Moratuwa who played for SSC after initially representing Sebastianites in the inter club tournament.
Suranjith Silva later migrated to Melbourne and played cricket as well as completed his coaching qualification to do new service for the yougesters. Earlier he did dual part as a player and coach but now most of the time focus on coaching .
A 16 year first class career as a leg spinning all rounder is an asset with Sri Lankan National and youth squad selection. Especially playing, captaining , coaching International level is an outstanding achievement said his club official and that is the main reason to get new post for the development of juniors the most important area to look after. Suranjith Silva was former head coach of Panadura SC in the 2013-14 season where he guided players like Prasanna Jayawardane, Chamara Silva,Charitha Buddhika, Sanjeewa Chanaka de Silva and Dulruwan Perera who got chances to represent National team. In Melbourne he did fine service as a former head coach of Eastern Grammar and spin specialist at Melbourne High. Suranjith and his former SSC club mate Upul Fernando also conduct Melbourne South East Cricket Academy (branch of Melbourne West Cricket Academy) .
Suranjith always keen to give his knowledge to youngsters. He had opportunity to play with former Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranathunga,Marvan Atapattu,Promodya Wickramasinghe those days and got good experience playing with them . He also had a chance to play with great spinners like Muttaih Muralitharan and Rangana Herath during his first class career and all experience is vital to do his coaching .