Sri Lanka drop Tharanga, recall Chandimal

Sri Lanka have dropped opening batsman Upul Tharanga from their Test squad to face New Zealand, after he failed to impress internationally, though despite a recent century for his domestic side.
Tharanga has been replaced by Dimuth Karunaratne, who had in turn made way for the senior man for the Tests against Pakistan and South Africa. Dinesh Chandimal is also included, so there are three keepers in the squad.
Two uncapped players have been named, with paceman Dushmantha Chameera and spinner Tharindu Kaushal getting a chance for a trip away from home. Tharindu's inclusion is timely, considering Rangana Herath's new fitness issues.
The pace attack is a strong one, with Shaminda Eranga and Suranga Lakmal available at the same time, which has been rare in the past. Dhammika Prasad has kept his place, after some nippy performances.
The first Test starts on 26 December in Christchurch.
Squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella, Prasanna Jayawardena, Dinesh Chandimal, Dilruwan Perera, Tharindu Kaushal, Shaminda Eranga, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath
Latest
-
News
Joe Root promises England will learn lessons from India rout
An innings defeat in Ahmedabad rounded off a 3-1 series loss.
-
News
India v England, day 3: Tourists left in a spin once again as series slips away
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel continued their outright domination of England and helped seal a 3-1 series win.
-
News
England left to lick their wounds as India condemn them to another defeat
Joe Root’s men had no answers.
-
News
More woe for England as India’s spin twins push hosts towards series victory
Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel claimed three wickets each as the tourists slumped to 91 for six at tea.
-
News
England’s top order crumble once again as India take a firm grip on fourth Test
The tourists were reduced to 30 for four having conceded a first-innings lead of 160.
-
News
India extends lead to 160 on third morning in Ahmedabad
While Washington Sundar was stranded on 96 not out, the hosts increased the pressure on England in the fourth Test.
-
News
England accused of throwing Dom Bess ‘under the bus’
The spinner struggled on his return to the side.
-
News
India v England, day 2: Ben Stokes efforts fail to turn tide in England’s favour
Rishabh Pant’s remarkable century and the folly of England’s imbalanced attack left India in full control.
-
News
Brilliant Rishabh Pant century gives India stranglehold in Ahmedabad
Pant built to a brilliant 101 as he changed the complexion of the game.
-
News
I was told to ‘die in a hole’ – Alex Hartley reveals online abuse over tweet
The former England international received a barrage of abuse over a tongue-in-cheek post.