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Ahead of the 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and India, the Lankan captain Charith Asalanka who conf irmed a new name in his playing XI as fast bowler Mohamed Shiraz made his international debut. The Sri Lankan squad was hit with a major injury blow ahead of the ODIs as a majority of their frontline line pacers were out injured.
Hence the SLC drafted new players out of which Mohamed Shiraz is slated to play international cricket for the first time. The 29-year-old has been in top form in domestic cricket and has even shown some handy batting skills, racking up 500 runs across the formats. The fast bowler is currently playing for the Burgher Recreation Club in the Major Clubs Limited Over Tournament.
Shiraz was in the headlines as he picked up 6 wickets for just 21 runs against Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club, his best List-A bowling figures. In his career so far, Shiraz has played 47 List A matches and picked up 80 wickets at a 17.52 average.
The 29-year-old has been a regular in the Sri Lankan first-class circuit with 49 matches and 125 wickets at an economy of 3.65 and an average of 31. He has also scalped 23 wickets in 23 games in Sri Lanka's domestic T20 competitions.
Speaking about the new addition, Charith Asalanka, at the toss said, " We are going to bat first. It looks like a dry pitch and that's the reason. We are going with 6-5 combination. Shiraz is making his debut today. We have to improve our mental skills, we did some bad things in the last game but that is the past and we are looking forward to this game. It is a concern as a captain but I am looking forward to going with my second line of bowling."
