Sri Lanka add Lahiru Kumara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Vikum Sanjaya to their squad for ODIs against South Africa
Sri Lanka add Kumara, Vandersay, Sanjaya to their squad for ODIs
Sri Lanka have added Lahiru Kumara, Jeffrey Vandersay and Vikum Sanjaya to their squad for the One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, starting from Saturday. The trio will replace Isuru Udana, Thikshila de Silva and Seekkuge Prasanna in the squad. Kumara and Sanjaya were part of the Sri Lankan squad, who were hammered 3-0 by South Africa in the Test series. While Kumara was part of the XI, Sanjaya is yet to make his international debut for Sri Lanka. If Kumara makes his debut in the series, it will also be his List A debut. On the other hand, Vandersay is direct replacement for outgoing leg-spinner Prasanna, who impressed with both bat and ball in the T20I series. Full Cricket Scorecard: South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI at Port Elizabeth
Sri Lanka, now, have as many as four uncapped players in their side. Along with Kumara and Sanjaya, Sri Lanka also have all-rounder Lahiru Madushanka and wicketkeeper Sandun Weerakkody. Dinesh Chandimal and the star of the third T20I Niroshan Dickwella are the other two wicketkeepers in the side. Udana was originally part of the ODI squad, but he has not played an ODI for Sri Lanka since July 2012. He was excellent in the second T20I against South Africa at the Wanderers, where his 3 for 13 was instrumental in ensuring Sri Lanka restricted their opposition to a moderate score. South Africa vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI: Preview
In the absence of regular skipper Angelo Mathews, it will be Upul Tharanga, who will lead the side. Tharanga had earlier led Sri Lanka to a win in the Zimbabwe tri-nation series few months back.
Sri Lanka squad for 5-match ODI series against South Africa: Upul Tharanga (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dhananjaya Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Sandun Weerakkody, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Chathuranga de Silva, Sachith Pathirana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Madushanka, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Vikum Sanjaya