Ruchira Perera is a lively and hard-working left-arm fast bowler with the ability to swing the ball back into right-handers. He lost form and confidence after his action was labelled suspect during Sri Lanka's early-season tour to England in 2002. After advice from Darryl Foster, a bowling coach and biomechanics expert at the University of Western Australia, he modified his wrist position just before the point of delivery and that cleared the problem with his elbow to the satisfaction of Sri Lanka authorities. But although he returned to international duty in late 2002 against South Africa, his self-belief seeped away and he lost effectiveness. During the next two years he battled hard but gradually became disillusioned, and prior to the recent Provincial Tournament was considering a career playing league cricket in England. However, he regained form during the Provincial Tournament and caught the eye of the selectors and was selected for the 2006 tour of England. He's generally good for team spirit, bringing great humour to the dressing-room, and is respected for his commitment with ball in hand.
September 2006