KANDY, July 24: Uncapped players Upul Tharanga and Dilhara Lokuhettige were named in a 15-man Sri Lanka squad for the triangular one-day series against India and West Indies.
Left-handed opening batsman Tharanga, 20, was chosen over Avishka Gunawardene after performing consistently well for the ‘A’ team during the past year.
Fast-bowling all rounder Lokuhettige, 25, has played 59 matches, scoring 1761 runs at 21.47 and taking 137 wickets at 27.25. He was selected ahead of all-rounder Gayan Wijekoon, who is playing in the Test series.
Pace bowler Dilhara Fernando was recalled after battling back from injury and poor form to impress during the recent ‘A’ series against West Indies.
Chaminda Vaas is likely to miss the start of the triangular series, the team’s physiotherapist said on Sunday.
“Chaminda picked up a grade one hamstring strain the other day and at the moment he is looking at being out for seven to 10 days,” physiotherapist C.J. Clarke said.
The tournament starts on July 30 in Dambulla and concludes in Colombo on Aug 9.
Squad: Marvan Atapattu (captain), Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Zoysa, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Dilhara Fernando, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga.—Reuters
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