Another player to gain recognition for his performances on the A team tour of England in 1999. An aggressive and adventurous left handed batsman in the middle/lower order and capable leg spin bowler. Nimesh Perera started the A team tour in a blaze scoring a blistering 110 unbeaten, and then capturing 4/25 as Sri Lanka A defeated an ECB XI. Whilst his performances against first class outfits were not as outstanding he impressed sufficiently to earn a place in the Aiwa Cup squad though Upal Chandana's form ensured he did not play a single match. His performances in the following tour matches against the Australians were a let-down culminating in Perera being excluded from the pool of players for the upcoming Sharjah tournament. Still only 22, one feels Perera will have to develop his bowling to push for further selection as Upal Chandana's impressive displays see him well ahead in the current pecking order.

(Johann P Jayasekera , Sep 1999)