Ruchira Perera      

Full name Panagodage Don Ruchira Laksiri Perera

Born April 6, 1977, Colombo

Current age 32 years 230 days

Major teams Sri Lanka, Basnahira South, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Colts Cricket Club, Sinhalese Sports Club

Batting style Left-hand bat

Bowling style Left-arm medium-fast

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 is considered hot-headed by many, and while that has made him a frequent visitor to the match referee's office, he's generally good for team spirit, bringing great humour to the dressing-room, and is respected for his commitment with ball in hand.
Charlie Austin September 2006

Oct 10, 2006

Ruchira Perera screams an appeal

© AFP

Feb 21, 2006

Ruchira Perera flies into bowl

© AFP

Feb 20, 2006

Ruchira Perera runs into bowl

© AFP

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