Tharindu Ratnayake

Tharindu Ratnayake is a unique specimen of a cricketer and one of the pioneers of dual-action bowling that first appeared in the Sri Lankan domestic cricket in summer 2015-16. A left-handed middle order batsman, Tharindu is not only a Right-arm Off Spinner but also Slow Left-arm Orthodox that plies his trade in the professional game utilising both actions, with phenomenal success.

First appearing on the professional scene in summer 2015/16, he first appeared for Sinhalese Sports Club against Galle in a one-dayer in December 2015, with First Class and T20 debuts coming that same month. He’s gone on to excel across all three formats with 274 First Class wickets & 174 white-ball wickets. He was selected for the Dambulla side in the 2021 & 2022 editions of the Lankan Premier League.

No mug with the bat, he’s been a solid contributor with the willow, with fifties in all three formats at a very healthy strike rate, six of his nine half-centuries have come in the longer format.

Tharindu has had two previous seasons of UK experience, a 2018 stint with ECB North Yorkshire South Durham Premier League side, Thornaby, for whom he was exceptional. His 409 runs @ 20.45 was solid but his 77 wickets @ 10.40 was utterly ridiculous in a strong league. He returned in 2019 for a half season stint with Buckingham Town CC, jagging 28 wickets @ 14.46 in just 10 games.

An ECB Level 2 coach, Tharindu is seeking a return to the UK next summer and will return at the peak of his powers and there is no doubt this unique cricketer will be one of the hottest pick ups available for next summer. He’ll suit any club seeking a genuine wicket-taker that can contribute with the bat next summer. Tharindu will be travelling with his family.