Wembdon CC secure signing of Asantha Singappuli for second season in WEPL.

Wembdon CC are delighted to confirm the signing of Asantha Singappuli for a second summer in the West of England.

Asantha Singappuli is a talented batting all-rounder currently playing Sri Lankan domestic cricket for the Sri Lanka Navy Sports Club.

A late bloomer, Singappuli made his domestic debut in all three formats during the 2018/19 season and impressed, particularly with the bat. He struck two half-centuries before his maiden ton (117) against Police Sports Club in April 2019. With the ball, his left-arm orthodox spin accounted for 12 wickets, including 8 in first-class with best match bowling figures of 5-50 against Kurunegala Youth Sports Club.

The all-rounder, who was originally selected to play for Bloomfield was rewarded for his exploits in the Mercantile tournaments. His selection was clearly justified and after his strong first-class season, he was snapped up to play in Australia for Western Park in 2019/20, who play in Division 1 of the Warragul and District Cricket Association. Singappuli excelled, particularly with the ball, taking 31 wickets at 13.52, alongside 378 runs at 22.24.

Following his maiden season in Australia, Singappuli was set to take on a Player/Coach role with GMCL club Denton for the 2020 season. However, due to COVID, this opportunity fell through.

The all-rounder returned to Sri Lanka and was signed to play for Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club throughout the 2020/21 season. He became a key component of the sides white ball line-up, often opening the bowling with his left-arm spin and batting in the top order.

Having missed the opportunity to ply his trade in the UK in 2020, he spent the 2021 season in Devon playing for Bovey Tracey where he thrived with bat (433 runs at 30.93), and particularly ball (28 wickets at 14.93). He returned to Northern shores last summer, this timing playing for Wembdon in the West of England Premier League. His performances continued, with another 916 runs at 31.59 and 52 wickets at 13 to conclude a very productive season.

Singappuli is not only a quality cricketer but a fantastic bloke who gets heavily involved with junior coaching. He is now set to return to Wembdon for a second WEPL stint in 2023.