All-rounder Thushara just wants to bowl fast

Thushara made it to the team after regular all-rounder Farveez Maharoof and paceman Lasith Malinga were forced out due to injuries. “It’s nice that I’ve been able to fill in the blanks. To bowl alongside Vaas is a dream come true. But I don’t want to be a replacement anymore, I want to establish my own identity,” he says.

Strange as it may sound in today’s cricket, Thushara doesn’t want to be billed as an all-rounder. “I’m a bowler who can contribute with the bat. I can hit the ball hard but that’s about it. I don’t work specifically to develop my batting. I try and play seriously in the nets, and that’s how I’ve developed my batting. My basic job is to bowl.”

Despite his lean frame, Thushara says his aim is to be an outright quick bowler. “I’m no swing bowler, my strength is to bowl as fast as possible and hit the right line and length. I want to be known as a fast bowler. I know it’s not easy in these sub-continent conditions, but I have been given a schedule by the team trainers to look after myself and I’m sticking to that.”

From the coastal region of Balapitiya, Thushara learnt his cricket at Nondescripts Cricket Club in Colombo and made his Test debut in 2003. But in a span of five years, he has played only three Tests. Year 2008 has been kind though, and provided him with opportunities after selectors took note of his form in the provincial tournament. “In 2003, when I made my debut, I wasn’t ready to play Test cricket. I was in awe of people,” says the 27-year old. “Having matured after playing a lot of domestic cricket, I’m ready for this level now.”