Ambidextrous Spinner Tharindu Rathnayake Shines on Test Debut for Sri Lanka
Galle | Goa TV 24 Sports Desk
Sri Lanka’s ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake made an impressive debut in the ongoing Test series against Bangladesh, claiming two crucial wickets on Day 1 at Galle by strategically switching his bowling arm based on the batter’s weakness.
Rathnayake, 29, took both his wickets bowling right-arm during the first session but also bowled with his left arm as Bangladesh ended the day strongly at 292 for 3.
“We talked about what each batsman is better at facing, and which sides they hit to. So I try to create plans around their weaknesses, and change which arm I’m bowling with according to that,” Rathnayake told ESPNcricinfo.
Although Sri Lanka already boasts another ambidextrous spinner in Kamindu Mendis, Rathnayake brings greater experience as a specialist bowler. He has taken 337 wickets in 73 first-class matches, compared to Mendis’ 31 wickets from 56 games.
“I don’t know which arm I’ve taken more wickets with. I’ve never looked at it properly. I’ve bowled a lot with both my arms,” he said. “When I started first-class cricket, I bowled a lot with my left arm. But later, after a couple of years, it became about 60% right arm and 40% left arm.”
Sri Lanka will play a two-Test series against Bangladesh this month, followed by three ODIs and three T20Is in July.
