Kaluwitharana fears Sri Lanka talent drought

Former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Romesh Kaluwitharana fears that Sri Lankan cricket is headed for a major talent drought after the likes of Vaas and Murali retire.

Updated on: Dec 11, 2007, 12:07:14 IST

PTI | By HT Correspondent, Colombo

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Former Sri Lankan wicketkeeper Romesh Kaluwitharana fears his country is heading for a cricket talent drought and has called for developing a strong second string team.

Kaluwitharana's observation comes soon after similar apprehensions were expressed by former captain Arjuna Ranatunga.

"There could be a possible scarcity of players in the next three or four years after players like Chaminda Vaas and Muralitharan retire", the 37-year-old, a member of the 1996 World Cup winning team, said.

Kaluwitharana and Sanath Jayasuriya, now retired from Test cricket, had formed one of the most feared opening pairs in one-day internationals.

"The team needs a second string which could win games", he said yesterday.

Kaluwithara played 49 Tests, scoring 1,933 runs averaging over 26 with three centuries.

He also represented Sri Lanka in 189 one-day internationals, scoring 3,711 runs at an average of 22.

He was also an able stumper, claiming a combined total of 225 catches and 101 stumpings for Sri Lanka.

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