Sri Lanka’s first match on Monday
The national cricket team with several new players left the country in the early hours of today for a tri-nation ODI series in Bangladesh, which also involves India.
Sri Lanka’s bowling looks weak with the absence of Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Ferenando and Angelo Mathews due to injuries, but captain Kumar Sangakkara is hopeful that the replacements will stand up and deliver of what is expected of them.
Spinner Ajantha Mendis and fast bowler Lasith Malinga have been axed from the squad.
Chamara Silva returns to the side after being dropped last year, along with leg-spinner Malinga Bandara, while young top order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne is on his maiden tour with the National squad.
Left-arm seamer Thilan Thushara Mirando, who sustained a shoulder injury during the series in India, has also been recalled.
The series is vital for the Sri Lankans, who have dropped down to the number seven rank in the ICC ODI rankings, ahead of only West Indies, Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
Sri Lanka lost their last ODI series to India 3-1.
The tournament gets underway on Monday, with hosts Bangladesh taking on Sri Lanka in a day night encounter in Mirpur. All games will be played in Mirpur and will be day night affairs.
Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (Capt & wk), Tillekeratne Dilshan (Vice-captain), Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Thilina Kandamby, Chamara Silva, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thissara Perera, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Malinga Bandara, Suraj Randiv, Thilan Thushara, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Kulasekara and Chanaka Welagedera.
Itinerary:
Jan 4th Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Mirpur (d/n)
Jan 5th India v Sri Lanka, Mirpur (d/n)
Jan 7th Bangladesh v India, Mirpur (d/n)
Jan 8th Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Mirpur (d/n)
Jan 10th India v Sri Lanka, Mirpur (d/n)
Jan 11th Bangladesh v India, Mirpur (d/n)
Jan 13th Final, Mirpur (d/n)
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