Cricket South Africa have named big-hitting Sri Lankan all-rounder Isuru Udana as replacement international marquee player for England’s David Willey in the Paarl Rocks squad for the second edition of the Mzansi Super League (MSL 2.0).
Willey has been ruled out through workload management.
“We are very excited to get a player of Isuru’s calibre who was Sri Lanka’s star player during their KFC T20 Series against the Standard Bank Proteas earlier this year,” commented CSA Acting Director of Cricket Corrie van Zyl.
“He made more than twice the number of runs as any of his colleagues and had a strike rate of more than 170 percent. This is right up with the very best standards by any comparison. He has a career strike rate of 153 in the T20 International format and one of 96 in ODI’s.
“He was a regular choice for Sri Lanka throughout the recent ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup which included his playing a crucial role in his country’s upset 20-run win over the eventual champions, England.
One of his two wickets was that of England captain Eoin Morgan.
“He is currently in action for Sri Lanka in their T20 Series against New Zealand and I am sure the Paarl Rocks players, management and fans will be keeping a close eye on his performances,” added Van Zyl.
“There will be more excitement on Tuesday next week when all the squads are finalised at the MSL 2.0 Player Draft.”
SOUTH AFRICAN MARQUEE PLAYERS
Cape Town Blitz: Quinton de Kock
Durban Heat: Andile Phehlukwayo
Jozi Stars: Kagiso Rabada
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: Imran Tahir
Paarl Rocks: Faf du Plessis
Tshwane Spartans: AB de Villiers
INTERNATIONAL MARQUEE PLAYERS
Cape Town Blitz: Wahab Riaz (Pakistan)
Durban Heat: Alex Hales (England)
Jozi Stars: Chris Gayle (Windies)
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants: Jason Roy (England)
Paarl Rocks: Isuru Udana (Sri Lanka)
Tshwane Spartans: Tom Curran (England)
Photo: Simon Cooper/PA Wire
