Malisha Tennakoon with Sri Lankan roots, now proudly donning England U-19 jersey
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The ended Women’s Under-19 ODI and T20 Tri-Series in Australia, also featuring lasses from England and Sri Lanka, has unearthed new talents who could rule Women’s Cricket at global stage in years to come. With hosts Australia and Sri Lanka taking major honours – four wins and a loss after playing five games each – England may have a lot to ponder after six straight losses in the T20 series.
But two girls with Sri Lankan origin representing England have made headlines back in the island nation on the Indian Ocean, making a significant stride. All-rounder Malisha Tennakoon is one such youngsters, besides her team-mate Venus Weerappuli, both with roots from Sri Lanka. Though Venus has been a regular member of the England U-19 Women’s team in both ODI and T20 formats, Malisha played her part as a right-hand middle-order batter and right-arm pace bowler in the three ODI games she played.
A student of Abbotsholm School in Rocester, Derbyshire, Malisha turns out for Warcickahire Academy as a player, while also representing Derbyshire Falcons and her county age group of Under-18 representing her home county Staffordshire as an all-rounder. Coming in as a reserve in the England U-19 Women’s squad preparing for the Tri-Series in Australia, Malisha had made both her clubs and school equally proud. As a young and aspiring player when she was in the Under-13 age group, Malisha had the rare opportunity to play and win at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Gro The St. Joseph’s College cricket team with their practice kits on und in the Lady Tavenors National Cup final for her women’s club.
Her recognition within the England pathway at this stage has brought a tremendous honour to her efforts, and is depicted as a true testament to her hard work and talent. At her school, Abbotsholm, Malisha is regarded an inspiration to younger pupils, and a brilliant example, motivating more girls to pick up a bat and believe in where the game can take them. Her ultimate goal is to represent England at the highest level.