Published: Jul 17, 2013, 10:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Jul 17, 2013, 10:01 PM (IST)
Dinesh Chandimal (above) will lead the side in the absence of the banned Angelo Mathews © Getty Images
Colombo: Jul 17, 2013
Young Dinesh Chandimal will lead Sri Lanka in the first two of the five ODIs against visiting South Africa in a stop-gap arrangement in the absence of regular captain Angelo Mathews.
The 23-year-old Chandimal was named to captain the home side as Mathews is currently serving a two-match ban for slow over-rates during the recent triangular series involving West Indies and India in the Caribbean.
Left-handed middle order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne has been named the new vice-captain in the 15-member squad announced by Sri Lanka Cricket today.
Senior batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan, who missed the tri-series in the West Indies due to an injury, returns to the side and will partner Upul Tharanga for the opening wicket.
Thisara Perera also returns at the expense of the spinning all-rounder Jeewan Mendis. Also making a comeback after a long layoff is Jehan Mubarak.
There is no place for the young opening bat, left-hander Kusal Janith Perera. His run of poor form in the Champions Trophy in England has kept him out.
The first ODI will be played on July 20.
Squad:
Dinesh Chandimal (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-captain), TM Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Angelo Perera, Jehan Mubarak, Rangana Herath, Sachitra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga, Shamindra Eranga, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal.
