Malinda Warnapura set to make Test debut

According to selection committee sources, elegant opening Batsman Malinda Warnapura, is set to make his test debut during the forthcoming series against Bangladesh.

Warnapura made his ODI debut against Pakistan at the recently concluded Warid Series in Abu Dhabi just six days before his twenty eighth birthday. His colours with the ‘A’ team prompted the selecting committee to give him a chance in the national squad. This talented cricketer, who smashed a century against Bangladesh ‘A’ two months ago, is most likely to be selected for the Test-series against the Bangladesh national team scheduled to be held at the end of this month.

The selectors are also hoping to rest veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya and middle-order batsman Tillekaratne Dilshan in an attempt to give more opportunities for the upcoming players.

The stylish left hander emerged as the highest run getter during the recent tour of India and he followed it up with a career best 242 in the first four day unofficial test match against the Bangladesh ‘A’ team at the Colts CC grounds, Havelock Park.

Warnapura has been a consistent run getter for his club, Colts Cricket Club in the domestic tournaments and has accumulated over five thousand runs from 107 first class matches at an average of 37.20.

In addition fast bowler Sujeewa de Silva is also set to be recalled into the national team. De Silva however has played two test matches both against Bangladesh in July 2002. The opening bowler returned excellent figures of four wickets for 35 in the second innings in his last test match at the SSC grounds which helped Sri Lanka cruise to a massive 288 run victory and wrap up the series by two matches to nil.

The Test squad of 14 is expected to be announced on June 11 after the return of captain Mahela Jayawardene who is currently in India leading the Asian XI against the Africa XI in a series of one-day matches.

The Bangladesh team will arrive on June 17 and will play their first test match from June 25 to 29 at the SSC grounds, second test from July 3 to 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium and the third and final test from July 11 to 15 at the Asgiriya Stadium in Kandy. In addition they will play three one day internationals on July 20, 22 and 24.

Courtesy : Daily Mirror

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Thilan Samaraweera To Lead Sri Lanka ‘A’ Team For England Tour

Sri Lanka have named a 15-man squad for the A tour of England starting next month. Thilan Samaraweera, who played the last of his 39 Tests at Edgbaston last year, leads the side with youngster Jehan Mubarak as his vice-captain.

According to SLC sources, Mubarak is expected to captain the team in the four one-day matches on the tour. He and fellow opener Michael Vandort also toured England last year when Sri Lanka drew the Test series 1-1.

For Samaraweera the tour is a chance to press his claims for an international recall. The selectors are assessing their options ahead of the tour of Australia in November, and a home Test series against England in December.

“We are looking at Thilan as a Test player. He is still our best No. 5 batsman and we hope to give him every opportunity to get enough runs behind him before the England series,” a selection committee source said. “We have picked this team with a look at the future both short term and long term.”

Chamara Kapugedera, who has been named as one of the middle order batsmen, is likely to be recalled for the three one-day internationals against Bangladesh at home. The A tour coincides with Bangladesh’s tour to Sri Lanka starting later this month.

Squad: Thilan Samaraweera (captain), Jehan Mubarak, Michael Vandort, Mahela Udawatte, Chamara Kupugedara, Kaushal Silva, Gayan Wijekoon, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Akalanka Ganegama, Ishara Amarasinghe, Chanaka Welagedera, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Charith Sylvester.

Stand bys:

Thilina Kandamby, Kanchana Goonawardane, Ranga Dias.

Courtesy : Cricketworldcuplatest.com

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