Ailing Andover are poised to sign Chamika Karunaratne – as soon as the 20-year old Sri Lankan all-rounder can obtain a UK entry visa.
Last season’s Division 1 champions have endured a desperate start to life in the ECB British Gas Premier Division, suffering three successive defeats, including a crushing ten-wicket loss to the Hampshire Academy last week.
The Lions have been frustrated in their previous attempts to sign an overseas player, but are hopeful the Sri Lanka Under-23 international will join them for the start of the Time pennant, all-day cricket at champions Havant next Saturday.
Karunaratne represented Sri Lanka Under-19s on 19 occasions and has been a regular in their Under-23 side. He played Middlesex Premier League cricket for Stanmore two seasons ago, scoring 531 runs and taking 39 wickets with his pacey seam bowling.
Last season’s Division 1 champions have endured a desperate start to life in the ECB British Gas Premier Division, suffering three successive defeats, including a crushing ten-wicket loss to the Hampshire Academy last week.
The Lions have been frustrated in their previous attempts to sign an overseas player, but are hopeful the Sri Lanka Under-23 international will join them for the start of the Time pennant, all-day cricket at champions Havant next Saturday.
Karunaratne represented Sri Lanka Under-19s on 19 occasions and has been a regular in their Under-23 side. He played Middlesex Premier League cricket for Stanmore two seasons ago, scoring 531 runs and taking 39 wickets with his pacey seam bowling.
