Sri Lankan selectors pick two uncapped players in Test squad

Charlie Austin

December 23, 2001

Sri Lanka's five-man selection panel has picked two uncapped players in a 14-man squad for the Janashakthi National Test series against Zimbabwe starting next Thursday.

Matara born fast bowler Prabath Nissanka, 21, who made his limited overs debut in Sharjah in October and played in one game during the recently completed LG Abans tri-series, comes into squad in place of fast bowling all-rounder Suresh Perera.

Middle order batsman Chamara Silva is introduced into the squad after Michael Vandort broke a finger in his left hand whilst training with his club. Vandort is expected to be available for selection in time for the second Test in Kandy.

The 22-year-old right-hander, who has played eight One-Day Internationals, celebrated his call-up with a brilliant century (127 from 118 balls) against the Zimbabweans in their three day warm-up game, but will only play in the first Test if there is an injury to one of the established top six.

Leggie Upul Chandana is left out, partly because he failed to impress during the LG Abans series, but also because the selectors, with one eye on the upcoming overseas tours, are keen to return to a fast bowler focused strategy during this series.

So, left-arm spinner Niroshan Bandaratillake, who remains in the squad despite claiming just four wickets in the West Indies series, is unlikely to play.

Nissanka and Charitha Buddika will compete for the third fast bowlers slot, but Buddika, who made his Test debut against West Indies in Galle, remains the leading contender with his recent good form and greater reliability.

Sri Lanka:

Sanath Jayasuriya (capt), Marvan Atapattu, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, Hashan Tillakaratne, Chamara Silva, Thilan Samaraweera, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Nuwan Zoysa, Charitha Buddika Fernando, Prabath Nissanka, Niroshan Bandaratillake

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