Malisha Tennakoon with Sri Lankan roots, now proudly donning England U-19 jersey

The ongoing Women’s Under-19 ODI and T20 Tri-Series in Australia, also featuring lasses from England and Sri Lanka has unearthed new talents who could rule Women’s Cricket at global stage in years to come.

With hosts Australia and Sri Lanka taking major honours, with four wins and a loss after playing five games each, England may have a lot to ponder after six straight losses in the T20 series.

But two girls of Sri Lankan origin have made headlines back in the island nation on the Indian Ocean, making a significant stride.

All-rounder Malisha Tennakoon is one such youngsters, besides her team-mate Venus Weerappuli, both with roots from Sri Lanka.

Though Venus has been a regular member of the England U-19 Women’s team in both ODI and T20 formats, Malisha played her part as a right-hand middle-order batter and right-arm pace bowler in the three ODI games she played.

A student of Abbotsholm School in Rocester, Derbyshire, Malisha is. Warcickahire academy player who also represents Derbyshire Falcons and her county age group U18 representing her home county Staffordshire as an all-rounder.

Coming in as a reserve in the England U-19 Women’s squad preparing for the Tri-Series in Australia, Malisha had made both her clubs and school equally proud.

As young players when she was U13 she had the rare opportunity to play and won at Lords cricket ground for Lady Tavenors national cup final for her women’s club.

Her recognition within the England pathway at this stage has brought a tremendous honour to her efforts, and a true testament to her hard work and talent.

At her school, Abbotsholm, Malisha is regarded an an inspiration to younger pupils, and a brilliant example, motivating more girls to pick up a bat and believe in where the game can take them.

Her ultimate goal is to represent England at the highest level.