Sri Lanka's Ambidextrous Spinner Shines On Debut In 1st Test Vs Bangladesh
Sri Lanka's ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake switches arms based on the batter's weaknesses.
Sri Lanka's ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake mentioned that he switches his bowling arm based on the weaknesses of the batter on strike.
This strategy helped him claim two wickets on the first day of his debut Test match against Bangladesh on Tuesday.
Both of Rathnayake's wickets were taken with right-arm deliveries in the first session.
However, the 29-year-old also bowled with his left arm as Bangladesh ended the day at 292-3 in Galle.
'We talked about what each batsman is better at facing, and which sides they hit to. So I try to create plans around their weaknesses, and change which arm I'm bowling with according to that," Rathnayake was quoted by ESPN Cricinfo as saying.
Rathnayake is not the only ambidextrous spinner in the Sri Lankan team, as Kamindu Mendis is also known for bowling with both arms.
However, Mendis, an all-rounder, has taken only 31 first-class wickets in 56 matches, while Rathnayake, primarily a bowler, has taken 337 wickets in 73 appearances.
'I don't know which arm I've taken more wickets with. I've never looked at it properly. I've bowled a lot with both my arms," Rathnayake said.
'When I started first-class cricket, I bowled a lot with my left arm. But later, after a couple of years, it became about 60% right arm and 40% left arm."
First Published:
June 18, 2025, 17:10 IST
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