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| Wednesday, 22 September 2004 |
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Lankan surprise at snub by Martin Gough Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu has expressed surprise that English counties have not approached his side. More than 60 overseas players have featured in county cricket this year, but not a single one was Sri Lankan. Asked why so few players had played in the UK, Atapattu said: "I have no clue but it's surprising to see some of our guys not being asked to come." Of the current squad only Chaminda Vaas, who played for Hampshire last year, has county experience. Injured spinner Muttiah Muralitharan has the most county experience, after spells with Lancashire and Kent. And a batting line-up that has been to the fore with 17 wins in the last 18 matches generally struggles in England's seamer-friendly conditions. "It's a bit hard to play county cricket these days with the international calendar," Atapattu added. "Sri Lanka Cricket gives them permission if (a player) is required by a county. It helps if players have played here but it's hard to accommodate." Atapattu himself has a Test batting average of over 50 in England, including an innings of 185 at Lord's in 2002, but has never received an offer. "It would have been an honour to have been asked and I'm sure at least one or two would have been considered," he added. [BBC] |
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