Pramod Madushan – a fitting example for aspiring youngsters
Sri Lanka has a proud history of producing spinners. But in recent times there’s is a significant increase in producing fast bowlers. This is a result of the commencement of the High Performance Centre at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Several young fast bowlers have developed with the guidance of the panel of coaching experts comprising Chaminda Vaas, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Chamila Gamage and Darshana Gamage.
Their commitment and the dedication over the years is now showing results. It was evident during the recently concluded Asia Cup campaign in the UAE. The performance of the young fast bowling group played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s to Asia Cup victory.
There were concerns with regard to the depths of its fast bowling unit before the tournament, but they proved their critics wrong, as two young fast bowling prospects from the Southern town of Hambantota emerged.
Pramod Madushan and Dilshan Madushanka shared 12 wickets in the tournament. Madushan, who picked four crucial wickets during the final is regarded as one of the shining stars of the young brigade.
Madushan’s introduction to the cricket is a fascinating story.
Even though Madushan had the desire to play cricket at an early age, he did not have the opportunity to play school cricket until he was 17 as the school he attended, Hambantota Vidyalaya, did not have cricket at junior levels. Instead he represented the school football team, but his friends knew his desire as he played softball cricket with them
“When I was at Hambantota Vidyalaya cricket was not a popular sport among school children due to lack of facilities. So we played soft ball cricket,” Madushan said, recalling his introduction to the sport.
As time went by his passion for cricket grew and he gave up football to play cricket. In his early years as a school cricketer, he grew under the shades of Udayakumara, his first coach. But his career took a turn when he decided to join Theraputta National School, Hambantota.
During the three years at Theraputta National School, he played 20 matches, scoring four centuries. He also became the leading wicket-taker. Until he left school in 2012, Madushan was an integral part of his school team. He was beginning to show his versatility as a batting all-rounder.
During the latter part of his school career, he joined Hambantota Cricket Club. It was then, he took part in the All-Island Division II Tournament. During the final which was played in Katunayake, Madushan went on to claim a five-wicket haul. It turned out to be the turning point of his career.
“After the match one of the umpires, who had witnessed my performance, asked me whether I would like to play for a club. He also had conversations with our captain and it was the steppingstone. My family members also encouraged me to chase my dream. Meanwhile, I got to know that there was a selection trial at the Tamil Union Cricket Club. Jeewantha Kulatunga, who was the coach at the time, was impressed by my abilities and I was selected to play for the club,” he recalled.
In 2013, Madushan got an opportunity to play state cricket in Australia. He played for Narre Warren Cricket Club. He was in perfect form, claiming wickets during his stay in Victoria. He took more than 25 wickets for the state during the six-month stint in Australia.
Madushan returned home beaming with confidence. As a reward for his commitment and dedication he made his first class debut for Tamil Union against Ragama Cricket Club in 2015. He praised Jeevantha Kulatunga for giving an opportunity to play cricket overseas and he believed it helped him to take his game to the next level.
Despite making his first class debut in 2015, the youngster was unable to become a permanent member in team until 2018. However Madushan was not disheartened. He was able to interact with the seniors and learn the finer points of the game.
“All the captains helped me. Their advices were invaluable for my development as a fast bowler and I am reaping the rewards now,” filled with gratitude, Madushan said.
After 2018 Madushan secured his place in Tamil Union and more importantly he was one of the most consistent fast bowlers in domestic cricket across all formats. Last season can be considered as the most successful for Madushan. He bagged 15 wickets at an average of 16.93 in Tamil Union’s victorious Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament campaign. He was the highest wicket taker among the fast bowlers.
As a reward for his consistency Madushan was included in the national pool this year. Eventually his dream of representing Sri Lanka became a reality when he earned the maiden call-up in to the national squad against Australia.
“I was pleased about the fact that the 10 years of commitment and sacrifice had been paid off. It was even more significant as Sri Lanka had beaten Australia on our home soil after three decades,” said the southern express.
He became the 205th player to represent Sri Lanka in One Day Internationals. His cap was presented by one of the legends in Sri Lanka cricket, Lasith Malinga. During his debut, he showed his capabilities as an all-rounder as he built a partnership with his former Tamil Union team mate Chamika Karunaratne. The duo shared a partnership of 58 for the ninth wicket and with the ball he picked up the crucial wicket of Mitchell Marsh.
As the Asia Cup was on the horizon, it was crucial for Madushan to be consistent. In spite of not being able to take a substantial amount of wickets in the Invitational T20 League, held prior to the Asia Cup, he kept the economy rate under control. Days before the national team’s departure their front line fast bowlers were ruled out due to injuries and it was a blessing in disguise for Madushan. He was a surprise inclusion into the Asia Cup squad.
“It was a pleasant surprise. But I was confident because I have performed well in domestic tournaments leading up to the Asia Cup. That eased my nerves,” he said.
During Sri Lanka’s last ‘Super 4’ encounter against Pakistan, the team management had decided to test Madushan ahead of the final. The youngster took the priced wicket of Mohammad Rizwan and took two wickets for 21 runs.
“Leading in to the final, our coach Chris Silverwood motivated us and told us to play without fear of failure. As a youngster I was quite pleased about the way the coach communicate with the youngsters and I think that was the main reason of our success in the tournament,” he summed up.
Madushan, who came back from the Asia Cup beaming with confidence hopes to represent his country in all three formats. He emulates Sri Lankan all-rounder Tilakaratne Dilshan and hopes to follow his footsteps and make his nation proud.