Yorkshire hoping Attapatu, Luus and Devine can propel them to Kia Super League Finals Day at Hove on September 1
Saturday 5 August 2017 12:11, UK
Yorkshire Diamonds are hoping that Sri Lanka batting star Chamari Atapattu has found the recipe for success ahead of this summer's Kia Super League.
Atapattu, the scorer of a sensational 178 not out in a recent World Cup clash with Australia, was a last-minute replacement for injured Beth Mooney, but she is settling into life in the White Rose county nicely.
"The girls have been trying to teach her some Yorkshire sayings," admitted England fast bowler Jenny Gunn. "I think that's going pretty well.
"It will be different for her coming from a different background. She was up at 5.30 the other morning having spicy noodles for breakfast, although she did assure me she has cereal, too.
"You don't realise how different other players' lives are. It will be interesting to learn about her and get to know her.
"She's a big hitting left-hander who had an amazing World Cup, is the first Sri Lankan to play in this competition, and I'm sure she will do really well for us."
Atapattu is joined by overseas all-rounders Sune Luus and the more experienced Sophie Devine from South Africa and New Zealand respectively, all of whom played in the World Cup.
"Sune's a 21-year-old leg-spinner," said Gunn. "It's quite a new experience for her, just coming over to play in another big tournament. But I'm sure she will prove a really exciting addition.
"It's a fresh team with new faces, and it's nice to be part of it. We've bonded really well.
"I've probably played against Sophie for 10 years, so it's nice I don't have to bowl at her. I can definitely learn things from her.
"She's quite a quiet and calm person off the field, but when you play against her she's very energetic. She hits the ball as far as anyone.
"There are loads of big hitters in the tournament, and that's what we want to see. But just not when I'm bowling. You'd rather be a batsman than a bowler in this format, that's for sure."
