Law and Eskinazi identify Thilan Walallawita as a future Middlesex star

The 22-year old spinner made his debut for Middlesex last season, taking nine wickets in six appearances in all competitions

Middlesex head coach Stuart Law and batsman Stephen Eskinazi have identified Thilan Walallawita as a future star following his excellent debut season in 2020.

The county handed debuts to several players last season – including Luke Hollman, Joe Cracknell and Jack Davies – but it was the spinner from Sri Lanka who really caught the eye.

Walallawita made five appearances for Middlesex in the Bob Willis Trophy, taking six wickets with an economy of 2.77, and took 3/19 on debut in the T20 Blast. And it’s not just his cricket ability which stands out to Law and Eskinazi, but his journey to achieving his dream.

"[He has] an amazing story," said Law. "He arrived in this country after the tsunami hit Sri Lanka, he came over as a refugee.

"He’s still very much in the development phase but he can control a run rate, he’s got good skills, he can land the ball where he wants which is probably the key being a finger spinner. He’s working out how to get batsmen out so he’s a fast learner.

^{Walallawita bowling on his Bob Willis Trophy debut against Surrey}

"We’re trying to turn him into a hitter down the order. He hasn’t got much defence – his best defensive shot is a cover drive or pull shot – but we’ve got high hopes for Thilan. He’s a wonderful young man and we only wish the best for him."

Eskinazi added: "No one’s ever got a bad word to say about Thilan. He’s come from nothing; he was stacking shelves in Sainsbury’s after training so he could make academy sessions. It’s a story that will warm the hearts of cricket lovers across the country.

"Moreover, he’s an incredible bowler. He has a mature head on very young shoulders, and he has a really bright future. He didn’t shy away from any of the challenges thrown at him last year. He had great numbers even when he came to the T20 side. We can’t wait for him to get on some spinning wickets throughout the year and take some poles."

Unfortunately, Walallawita will miss the start the season with a hamstring tear and Law isn’t rushing the youngster back into the XI.

"Thilan tore his hamstring, quite a bad tear," said Law. "He’s making good progress which is great news. He’s a kid who absolutely loves to play cricket so he’s hurting a lot that he can’t play.

"He won’t be right for the first couple of games but [he’s] available for selection after that. Muscle tears are quite tricky things to get right but he’s ok walking around, he’s bowled just stand still bowling the other day but to move dynamically in the field is a struggle so we’ll give himself time to get himself right before he’s considered for selection."

However, despite the injury, Eskinazi is confident the junior spinner will still play a big role for Middlesex this season.

"An accurate finger spinner who can put some pressure on the batters, just like he did last year, is worth their weight in gold in the UK, both to give the big boys a break but also to make a big impact," he said.

"The ground we play and the pitches we play on, it’s difficult for a spinner to make an impact. But, I’ve seen it before. Ollie Rayner did a similar job for us when we were very successful in 2015/16 and I see Thilan playing a similar role. Not only someone who can go in and do a holding role but someone who can be a bit more aggressive and shoulder some of the responsibility."

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