Akila Dananjaya, Upul Tharanga return in Sri Lanka ODI squad for South Africa series

Dhananjaya, who was suspended from bowling after ICC found action his illegal in December last year, had is action tested in Chennai

Sri Lanka have recalled mystery spinner Akila Dhananjaya and veteran opener Upul Tharanga for the South Africa ODIs, starting March 3, with the 17-member squad led by Lasith Malinga and wicketkeeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella as his deputy.

Dananjaya, who was suspended from bowling after ICC found his action his illegal in December last year, had is action tested in Chennai earlier this month. Tharanga, who last played an ODI for SL in October 2018 against England earned a recall after decent showings in the Bangladesh Premier League and SL’s domestic circuit. Former captains – Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews – are not part of the squad, which features uncapped Priyamal Perera and One-Test old top-order batsman Oshada Fernando, also earns his maiden ODI call-up.

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

Ambidextrous bowler Kamindu Mendis, who played one T20I against England has also received his maiden ODI call-up.

Also earning a recall is 31-year old pacer Isuru Udana, who last played an ODI for SL way back in 2012, on the back of good performances for Sri Lanka A against Ireland A, claiming 11 wickets in five matches.

The players missing from the New Zealand series are allrounders Dasun Shanaka, Seekkuge Prasanna, opener Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asela Gunaratne and Danushka Gunathilaka while Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara are out with injuries.

Chamika Karunaratne; who was in the Test squad is also out with an injury and is replaced by Asitha Fernando.

Squad: Lasith Malinga, (C), Avishka Fernando, Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella (vc), Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Angelo Perera, Oshada Fernando, Kamindu Mendis,, Priyamal Perera, Isuru Udana, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan

The first ODI of the five-match series will be played at The Wanderers, Johannesburg followed by the second ODI on Wednesday, March 6 at Super Sport Park, Centurion; 3rd ODI on Sunday, March 10 at Kingsmead, Durban; 4th ODI on Wednesday, March 13 at St’ Georges Park, Port Elizabeth and the fifth ODI on Saturday, March 16 at Newlands, Cape Town.

About the Author