Avishka Gunawardene

Avishka Gunawardene

Date of Birth: 26 May 1977, Colombo  Test Debut: Against Pakistan at Lahore in 1998/99  ODI Debut: Against Zimbabwe at Colombo in 1997/98  Bats: Left Hand Bat

In Sri Lanka, Avishka Gunawardene has a reputation of being more aggressive than Sanath Jayasuriya, and anyone who has seen him in full cry cannot disagree. Despite not being a large man, he hits the ball with amazing ferocity and power.

Unusually for left-hander, he does not favour the leg side. His trademark shot as a brutal slash over point, and if any width is offered, he hits cleanly through the covers.

Gunawardene made his international debut after a good series in the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia in 1998, slotting in at the top of the order. However, Test caps have been scarce, as Gunawardene is the first to admit that his concentration and application need some work.

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