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Tharanga has been replaced by Dimuth Karunaratne, who had in turn made way for the senior man for the Tests against Pakistan and South Africa.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
-
NewsThis winter’s Ashes series will go ahead, says Australia captain Tim Paine
Joe Root has refused to fully commit to the tour, with the first Test scheduled for December 8.
-
NewsWarwickshire land glorious domestic double with Bob Willis Trophy win
Bears see of Lancashire with ease.
-
NewsIreland batter Paul Stirling cannot wait for the Men’s T20 World Cup
The explosive opener is excited for Ireland to once more test themselves against the best.
-
NewsEngland’s postponed tour of Holland rearranged for next June
England last faced the Dutch during the 2014 World Cup where they suffered a shock defeat.
-
NewsWill Rhodes and Rob Yates hit centuries as Warwickshire dominate Lancashire
Matt Parkinson was rewarded for his toil on a placid pitch with three wickets.
-
NewsJos Buttler against going to Australia without family as he awaits Ashes clarity
Buttler is preparing to fly to the United Arab Emirates next week for the Twenty20 World Cup.
-
NewsECB is braced for ‘more challenging discussions’ over Ashes tour
ECB chair Ian Watmore admitted there are more hurdles to be cleared after last week receiving the latest update from Cricket Australia.
-
NewsWarwickshire dominate first day at Lord’s as Lancashire collapse
Craig Miles took five wickets and the Red Rose were 12 for six before reaching 78, with the Bears 120 without loss in reply.
-
NewsJoe Root ‘desperate’ to play in Ashes but admits he is unable to commit yet
Root and his England team-mates are still in the dark about the exact conditions of entry into Australia.
-
NewsJoe Root ‘very grateful’ to win men’s player of the year at PCA awards
Eve Jones became the first female domestic professional to claim a PCA award when she was named cinch women’s player of the year.