Charitha Buddhika

Wisden overview

Short and skiddy, Charitha Buddika (or Buddika Fernando) generates lively pace and handy away-movement from a spindly frame. He made a triumphant ODI debut in October 2001, against Zimbabwe at Sharjah.

After opening his account with two no-balls, he took a wicket with his first legitimate delivery. Four more followed, and he finished with 5 for 67, the second-best figures by a Sri Lankan on ODI debut, and the fourth best of all time. He soon secured a place in the Test team and toured England in 2002. But after nine Tests (18 wickets @ 44) and 17 ODIs, he was dropped after some inconsistent performances. Remains on the fringes though, and could develop into a useful lower order allrounder with four first-class fifties to his name.(Charlie Austin)