Jayasuriya is back: Included in the limited-overs squad for English Tour

Sri Lanka News: It may well be a farewell opportunity

The squad selected by the Sri Lankan selectors, for the tour of England and Scotland, gives a totally new look to the one which played the World Cup earlier this year. The 41 years old (will turn 42 in June) veteran and explosive opener Sanath Teran Jayasuriya has been recalled, after almost two years, into the Sri Lankan colours.

Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Rangana Herath and Chamara Silva have been omitted from the squad that played the WC. Angelo Mathews is included subject to fitness, while captain Dilshan is also nursing a fractured thumb. The other regular opener, Upul Tharanga has been ruled out after failing a dope test during the World Cup. He is to appear before a disciplinary committee.


There is chance for some promising players to cement their place in the team. Thilina Kandamby is one who has a chance to once again prove his talent as he has been given, rather surprisingly, the role of vice captaincy apart from shouldering the lower middle order batting. Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal, allrounder Jeewan Mendis have been recalled. The 23-year old opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne, a leftie, has been rewarded after a good domestic season. He has graduated from Under-19 and Sri Lanka A ranks.

Promising pacer Suranga Lakmal has been given a chance in the limited-over version after impressing in the Test series so far against England. Fast bowling duties will be resting on ODI specialists like Malinga, Fernando and Kulasekera. Ajantha Mendis and Suraj Randiv are the main spinners.

It will be interesting to watch Jayasuriya how he makes the opportunity count after a long lay-off from the game. It is speculated in some sections of the press that he may have been given a chance to bid adieu the game, and the Oval ODI may well be his farewell game.

The MP from Matara District is in Sri Lankan colours again. His passion and love for the game is uncontested, but would he be able to enliven the English crowds for the last time, every one will be having his fingers crossed.

After playing a one-off Twenty20 match against England on June 25, Sri Lanka will play 5-match ODI series against England starting from June 28. They will then travel to Scotland for two ODIs on July 11 and 13.

Limited-overs squad: Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Thilina Kandamby (vice-capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardena, Suraj Randiv, Dinesh Chandimal, Jeevan Mendis, Ajantha Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne, Thissara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Suranga Lakmal, Dilhara Fernando