Malinga, Kapugedera back for trip to UK

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga has been named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the Champions Trophy in the United Kingdom in June.

Malinga has overcome a string of injuries to be named in the 15-man party. Batsman Chamara Kapugedera, who has not played ODI cricket since January 2016, and fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep have also been selected.

“Malinga has got his medical clearance to bowl 10 overs, since about two weeks ago,” said Sri Lanka Cricket president Thilanga Sumathipala.

“We need to build him up to bowl 10 overs now. He’s playing in the IPL, which is to our advantage, because he’s in a top-class cricketing environment and he’s practising. Right now we are getting reports that he’s going into eight overs in a spell. We have to make sure he’s fit to bowl 10 by about the 10th of May.

“Match fitness is what he’s lacking now – his physical fitness is superb. We are looking for Malinga to be fit to play the practice games before the tournament – it’s very important for him to play those games.”

Batsman Danushka Gunathilaka, all-rounders Dhananjaya de Silva and Milinda Siriwardana and seamers Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera were overlooked.

Squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Upul Tharanga, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Asela Gunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Nuwan Kulasekera, Thisara Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Seekkuge Prasanna.

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