Aravinda de Silva returns to Sri Lanka one-day team
Aravinda de Silva has been named in a new-look Sri Lanka one-day squad for the three-match one-day series against Bangladesh starting Sunday and the Morocco Cup triangular that follows
CricInfo
30-Jul-2002
Aravinda de Silva has been named in a new-look Sri Lanka one-day squad for
the three-match one-day series against Bangladesh starting Sunday and the
Morocco Cup triangular that follows.
The selectors have axed seven players after winning just one game in the
NatWest triangular series in England last month, as they look forward to the
2003 ICC World Cup next February.
The squad was finalised on Tuesday afternoon after a short meeting between
the team management and the new three-man selection panel headed by Guy de
Alwis.
Batsmen Avishka Gunawardene, Naveed Nawaz and Chamara Silva have all been
dropped, as has wicket-keeper Romesh Kaluwithrana, who had opened the
batting during the early of the NatWest series.
Changes have also been made to the bowling attack, with fast bowlers Nuwan
Zoysa and Pramodya Wickramasinghe both being left out.
De Silva, 36, vastly experienced having played 275 matches, scoring 8430
matches at 35.13, had been determined to win back his place, working hard on
his fitness since returning from England. He last played against New Zealand
in February 2001.
The veteran right-hander is expected to bat at the pivotal number six
position, strengthening the middle order. Captain Sanath Jayasuriya and
Marvan Atapattu will open the innings with Kumar Sangakkara batting at
number three.
Leg-spinner Upul Chandana, 30, will vie for the problematic all-rounder's
spot at number seven with new medium pacer Hasantha Fernando, 22, who
performed well with bat and ball for Chilaw Marians in domestic cricket last
season.
Right-arm fast bowler Chamila Gamage, 23, who caught the eye in the second
Test against Bangladesh, and right-armer Pulasthi Gunaratne are both set to
make their ODI debuts as back up to the established trio of Chaminda Vaas,
Dilhara Fernando and Buddika Fernando.
Muttiah Muralitharan, who made himself unavailable for the NatWest series
due to a shoulder injury, returns to the one-day side having recovered full
fitness, meaning that Thilan Samaraweera loses his place.
With Morocco expected to assist the fast bowlers, the selectors believe they
now have the basis of their World Cup squad. The one likely inclusion is the
introduction of left-arm fast bowler Ruchira Perera once he has completed
his rehabilitation.
The selectors may make changes for the third One-Day International against Bangladesh next Wednesday, including some players not included in this squad.
The team are due to leave for Morocco early Friday morning.
Full squad:
Sanath Jayasuriya (Capt), Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela
Jaywardene, Russel Arnold, Aravinda de Silva, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul
Chandana, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Chamila Lakshitha Gamage, Dilhara
Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Pulasthi Gunaratne, Charitha Buddika Fernando