The Sri Lankan national was one of two south-west cricketers hand picked in the Victorian Country Cricket League team of the year on the back of a standout season with the Pirates.

Perera, who was picked alongside Macarthur star Charlie Nield, blasted 595 runs at an average of 54 runs an innings to clinch the feat.

It topped off a season in which Perera claimed the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association cricketer of the year.

Selector Kelvin White said Perera’s all-round class, which he also used to capture 35 wickets, earned his place in the talent-laden outfit.

“It is based on statistics, the selection. In regards to aggregate and averages, Jason compares very favourably to the best around the state,” White said.

“He was picked in the Western Waves team as a batsmen, because that was his major qualification at that level.

“When selectors looked at him, he didn’t rate highly enough as a batsmen. When you look at his bowling stats, however, they’re fairly impressive.

“Because of that, we picked him as the all-rounder. He just missed out on batting and bowling, but he does qualify as an all-rounder.”

Port Fairy president Damian Gleeson confirmed Perera would return to the south-west prior to cricket season.

“He signed a contract before he went back to Sri Lanka,” Gleeson said.

Nield, meanwhile, was selected as a number four batsman after managing 721 at a stunning average of 120.17.

Members of the team will be acknowledged at a plaque presentation at the league’s annual general meeting in Melbourne on Sunday, August 6.

White said the team of the year, in its sixth year, was in place to encourage selectors to become more involved and aware of players in regional cricket associations. 

“It is purely a statistical exercise,” White said.

“The team of the year is decided on the basis of total runs and wickets, the best averages and the most wicket-keeping dismissals. Other variables are discounted.

“By asking all regions to compile their best teams, we have had conversations with people right across country Victoria about the merits of their best performers for the season.

“It shows players that, statistically, they do stack up against one another.

“We all understand there are different levels of competition but you can only bat and bowl against the players on the other team.