Former Sri Lanka cricketer Suraj Randiv turns bus driver to earn a living in Australia

Randiv represented Sri Lanka in 12 Tests, 31 ODIs and 7 T20Is.

Former Sri Lanka spinner Suraj Randiv, who was a part of the country’s World Cup 2011 squad, is currently working as a bus driver in Australia to make ends meet.

Randiv is not the only ex-player working as a driver in Melbourne and has the company of compatriot Chinthaka Jayasinghe and Zimbabwe’s Waddington Mwayenga, who work for the same bus company.

Before moving to Australia, Randiv played 12 Tests for Sri Lanka, claiming 43 wickets. He also featured in 31 ODIs and 7 T20Is, picking up 36 and 7 scalps, respectively.

Among other white-ball appearances, Randiv also represented Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Apart from driving the bus, the 36-year old Randiv plays cricket at the district level for Dandenong Cricket Club. The domestic club is affiliated with Victoria Premier Cricket and the likes of Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, and Sarah Elliot have played for them in the past.

Speaking to 9 News, Randiv revealed he was recently called up by Cricket Australia to bowl at Australian batsmen in the nets to help them prepare for the Border-Gavaskar 2020-21 against India.

“I was asked by CA to come and bowl against their bowlers and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity,” he said.