Dilshan dropped for Australian Tour

Sri Lanka’s national selectors have decided to drop middle-order batsman and excellent fielder, Tillekeratne Dilshan from the squad touring Australia, next month for a two match Test Series, while ‘A’ team captain, Thilan Samaraweera has earned a recall to the side. Samaraweera, who has virtually struggled in away conditions, played the last of his 39 Tests against England in 2006. He has five centuries to his credit, all of which were scored at home. Dilshan in the mean time will captain the ‘A’ team in their Zimbabwe tour.

Former Captain, Marvan Atapattu, who did not show up for the meeting with SLC officials few days ago, have been excluded from the squad and will be replaced by veteran Sanath Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya was not to tour Australia this time, if the experienced Atapattu had accepted to play.

In addition, uncapped left-arm seamer, Chanaka Welagedara, who had a fantastic time with the ball in the Gopalan Trophy last week, have finally been included in the Test Squad. Jehan Mubarak, who is going well in the One-day format these days has also been named.

Ace Spinner, Muttiah Muralitharan, who is set to take over Shane Warne’s record in one of the two tests, is still recovering from a biceps injury which prevented him from playing in the World Twenty20 as well as the first three matches of England series.

Leg spinning all-rounder Malinga Bandara has been picked ahead of another spinning allrounder Kaushal Lokuarachchi.

The first Test will be played in Brisbane from November 8-12 and the second Test in Hobart from November 16-20.

Sri Lanka Test squad :
Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Michael Vandort, Chamara Silva, Thilan Samaraweera, Jehan Mubarak, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Farveez Maharoof, Chanaka Welagedera, Muttiah Muralitharan, Malinga Bandara.

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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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