Harsha joined our First XI squad in May arriving from his home town of Galle, Sri Lanka where he was born 29 year ago……yes it is a misprint it should be 39 years ago (last Thursday) but we were not supposed to mention it.

He has played a major role in the success of the Club this season not only as a reliable No 3 in the batting order but also as a fine slip catcher and general tactician. On many occasion he has anchored the innings and steered us to victory by accumulating the necessary runs.
His most recent scores in the league are 85 not out, 48,103 not out and 52 not out (at Strathmore) and he has played several commanding innings in the T20 Cup which we went on to win.

Harsha started paying cricket at the age of 13. Most schools in Sri Lanka have cricket coaches and he took full advantage soon playing for the Provincial and National U15s,17s and 19s.
In 2003 he won the Best Batsman Award in the Asia Cricket Cup in Pakistan and went on to Captain the Sri Lankan U19 team and the National Academy, in those days also bowling off spin.
This is Harsha’s second season in Scotland having been Pro for Arbroath in 2011 and his 11th season in the UK including at Durham, Hertford and Penrith, his toughest challenge being at Banstead in Surrey.

Favourite food – not fussy, enjoys everything
Favourite drink – lager and occasionally Jack Daniels and Coke

Observations about playing in the UK – finds some of the accents very difficult to understand ( you are not alone with that one). Arbroath being the hardest closely followed by Durham.

What he likes about playing for Aberdeenshire – the strong team spirit and ambition to win. There is belief which adds momentum and increases performance

Overview of his season to date – carrying an injury pre arrival was slow to acclimatise especially with the low temperatures, adapting from playing in 35 degrees to 10 degrees and cold winds was not easy. The pace of the wickets not being a problem.

Best innings – prefers not to dwell on the past but to look forward.

Thank you for your time Harsha and also thank you for the contribution you have made to the success of our season. It has been a pleasure having you with us and you would be welcome back.