Full Name : Vanessa Rachel De Silva
School : St Joseph’s Convent Nugegoda
Hometown : Pepiliyana
Status : Married
Birthday : 26/09/1974
Role model : Aravinda
Passions : Cricket
Cartoon you like : Tom & Jerry
What made you take up cricket?
Seeing my brothers and cousin play in the backyard when I was young, made me want to play. I captained the first soft ball tour to India in 1995, I joined the Colts Cricket Club in 1995.
The 1996 men’s WC victory inspired me even more to get involved in cricket.
Why is it that women’s cricket is yet not making headlines in Sri Lanka?
I think now women’s cricket is making headlines in SL after the ICC 50 WC in India. This year we beat the number 1 teams England and India in group stages and made it to the Super Six rounds. I must say that the media has supported us a lot (both print/electronic).
Why isn’t women’s cricket given air time on TV?
We need to get SPNSR & TV rights…it’s not like for men’s cricket.
How was the experience of captaining the national team?
I’m so proud to be the first captain for SL 1997 ICC Women’s 50 over WC… It was a challenging role.. I enjoyed it very much.
Who is your biggest support? My family and our coach
What does your husband say about his cricketer wife?
He has always supported me in a big way.
The ICC has taken a step to uplift women’s cricket, how long do you think it will take?
ICC has uplifted the women’s game in big way….they are promoting the women’s game a lot. The T20 WC men’s & women’s game being played together gives the women’s game good exposure.
How were you in school?
I was excellent in sports (Netball/Basketball/Cricket/Athletics) and average in studies
Tell me about the national team. How are they at an international level?
The national team has developed a lot…. We rank at number 5 in the ICC World Ranking for ODI and for T20, we are rank at number 7. I must say that the SLC is supporting the team a lot.
What is the best decision you have ever made?
Getting married
What would you name the autobiography of your life?
I need to think this one out…
In the Spot
How is it to work for the cricket board? Cricket is my passion and I love the place
Arjuna Ranatunga, Sanath Jayasuriya, Roshan Mahanama - Who is your favourite out of the three? Arjuna
Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Kumar Sangakkara - Who is your favourite social figure? Mahela
Your top 5
1. Arjuna
2. Aravinda
3. Sanga
4. Mahela
5. Mahanama
0 Comments