Randiv endures difficult international return

Morecambe Cricket Club's former professional endured a difficult return to international cricket.
Suraj Randiv in action for Morecambe.Suraj Randiv in action for Morecambe.
Suraj Randiv in action for Morecambe.

Suraj Randiv represented Sri Lanka for the first time since 2014 as England dominated the tourists with a 10-wicket win at Edgbaston on Friday.

The visitors posted 254-7 batting first, Randiv making 26 important runs down the order as he finished not out.

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Unbeaten centuries for Alex Hales, 133, and Jason Roy, 112, saw the hosts romp home however with almost 16 overs to spare, Randiv finishing with 0-62 after eight overs of off spin.

The title-winning professional at Woodhill Lane last year, who has now played 31 ODIs, 12 tests and seven Twenty20s for his country, was then left out of Sunday’s third game with wet weather bringing an early end to proceedings in Bristol.

His previous international experience includes representing his country in the 2011 World Cup final.

The series, in which England hold a 1-0 lead after a tie in the opening game, continues at the Oval on Wedenesday before concluding at the SWALEC Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday.

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There is then a solitary Twenty20 international between the sides at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl next Tuesday, July 5.

After helping Morecambe lift the Northern Premier League title in 2015 Randiv, 31, had been due to return to Woodhill Lane this summer only for first visa issues and then international commitments to make him unavailable.

Sub-professional Daryn Smith put in a series of impressive performances for Josh Dixon’s men before Pakistani all rounder Saeed Anwar Jnr was confirmed as Randiv’s replacement.

The veteran took 4 for 73 with the ball and 17 with the bat before rain curtailed his debut against Chorley on Saturday.

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