The Cayman Islands has many talented young cricketers thanks to a progressive youth development programme organised by technical director Theo Cuffy and one of them is batsman Sacha de Alwis who having just gained a degree in law is now focusing all his energies on making it in the first-class game.
Not a fanciful notion considering both his parents have played at top level in Sri Lanka. It is in the de Alwis family genes, in fact.
“Both my father and mother have represented Sri Lanka and my father captained the Sri Lanka President’s XI before Sri Lanka became a Test playing nation in 1978,” said de Alwis. “My uncle Lalith Kaluperuma played Test cricket for Sri Lanka in the 1980s and my grandfather and great-grandfather have played first class cricket too.”
To further his career, de Alwis is leaving on Wednesday for a two month training stint at the fabled home of cricket, the Middlesex County Club at Lord’s in London. “They have a custom-made comprehensive programme for me,” said the 20-year-old who received his degree through the University of Liverpool.
“I will be staying with my uncle and I hope to improve in all aspects of my game and fitness. At this point I wish to give cricket my best shot and I would like to see myself playing at first class level.” If he does not make it in cricket, there is always law to fall back on, but the lure of the Sri Lanka Premier League is a compelling one. “At the moment I have not put much thought into an alternative career as I want to fulfil my cricket dreams.
“I understand how competitive it is but I would like to see myself in a Sri Lanka cricket uniform one day.”
With the right application, coach Cuffy thinks de Alwis can succeed. “Sacha is among many talented young players here in the Cayman Islands,” he said. “He was recently selected along with Darren Cato for the Americas team at the International Cricket Council tournament.
“Sacha needs to continue his development and improve his fitness. In this age where the 20/20 game is so prevalent, fielding is a key part and you’ve got to be able to move.
“I think he is motivated enough to make it and when he returns much later I’m looking forward to his continued development.”
To further his career, de Alwis is leaving on Wednesday for a two month training stint at the fabled home of cricket, the Middlesex County Club at Lord’s in London.
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