Tharanga to replace injured Mendis for SL
Batsman Upul Tharanga has been called up to replace injured allrounder Jeevan Mendis in Sri Lanka's 15-man World Cup squad, with the global event currently taking place in Australia and New Zealand.
Mendis suffered a hamstring injury in training on Tuesday and, although the team management hoped the injury was not serious, scans revealed a mild tear that would keep the leg-spin bowler out for two to three weeks.
Tharanga, who is usually an opening batsman, can slot in anywhere in the batting order from number one to seven, and his versatility probably got him the nod over other candidates.
Captain Angelo Mathews said: "Upul will be arriving tonight, but Jeevan will be out for a minimum of two to three weeks. Jeevan will be out of the series and he'll be going back after the next game."
Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya told the Daily Mirror: "Tharanga has batted at all positions from No. 1 to 7, and has performed equally well. That is an advantage.
"His vast experience is the biggest plus. We also considered the fact that he has shown good recent form in domestic cricket."
Tharanga has played in 176 ODI's and has a batting average of 33.57, including 13 centuries and 28 fifties.
Sri Lanka's next match at the tournament is against Bangladesh at the MCG on Thursday.
Latest
-
NewsLaurie Evans and Sam Curran’s century stand inspires Surrey to another Blast win
Curran’s career-best 72 not out featured six maximums and five other boundaries.
-
NewsEbony Rainford-Brent praises ECB stance on historical racist and sexist tweets
Sussex seamer Robinson has issued an apology for posts he sent in 2012 and 2013.
-
NewsEngland frustrated by umpiring decision before Dan Lawrence’s late breakthrough
An unexpected breakthrough off the final ball of the day raising the home side’s flagging spirits.
-
NewsEngland less than impressed by decision to rule out early wicket – Jon Lewis
The tourists would have been 32 for two in the 10th over had the on-field umpires given Devon Conway out when he edged Stuart Broad to third slip.
-
NewsEngland endure frustrating day to leave New Zealand in charge of second Test
The tourists closed just 74 behind on 229 for three – with an unexpected breakthrough off the final ball of the day raising the home side’s flagging
-
NewsNew Zealand make England suffer after controversial Devon Conway decision
Conway appeared to be caught out when on 22 but he was given not out and ended the afternoon session on 78.
-
NewsMichael Holding: England footballers showing some backbone by taking the knee
Former pace bowler Holding was less impressed with the ‘moment of unity’ from England and New Zealand’s cricketers.
-
NewsDan Lawrence misses out on maiden Test century as England post 303
Stuart Broad dismissed Tom Latham as New Zealand reached lunch on 43 for one in reply.
-
NewsWill Jacks leads Surrey to opening Blast victory over Middlesex
Opener Finn Allen made an unbeaten 73 to lead Lancashire to victory.
-
NewsCrowd brings colour back to Edgbaston as England avoid batting collapse
The ground welcomed 18,000 fans on the first day of the second Test against New Zealand.