COLOMBO: Veteran all rounder Sanath Jayasuriya and fast bowler Lasith Malinga were dropped from Sri Lanka’s limited over squad as cricket selectors opted for a new-look side for next month’s tri-nations series in Bangladesh.
“We think this is a good time especially to try out some younger players otherwise there is no chance for the younger players to get a look-in,” chief selector Ashantha de Mel said Wednesday.
“We need the younger guys to push the senior guys that’s how you get the senior guys to perform,” he added.
Selectors have named uncapped Lahiru Thirimanne, a 20-year-old batsman, while retaining all rounder Thissara Perera, seam bowler Suranga Lakmal and spinner Suraj Randiv, who all made their first international appearances on the just concluded tour of India.
Batsman Chamara Kapugedera and spin bowler Ajantha Mendis, who had a mediocre series in India, were also dropped.
Veteran offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan, senior batsman Mahela Jayawardene, allrounder Anjelo Mathews and pace bowler Dilhara Fernando do not feature in the squad because of injuries. Chamara Silva has been recalled for the senior batsman’s role, while legspinner Malinga Bandara will fill the vacant spinner’s slot.
The 15-member squad announced Tuesday includes seven specialist batsmen, two allrounders, four seam bowlers and two spinners.
The tri-nations series, which also features India, begins Jan. 4 in Mirpur.
Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Silva, Thilina Kandamby, Lahiru Thirimanne, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Thissara Perera, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Suraj Randiv, Suranga Lakmal, Chanaka Welegedara.
