Fernando back in contention

by Rex Clementine

Fast bowler Dilhara Fernando has been added to Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the upcoming five match series against Pakistan with all-rounder Jeevan Mendis and seamer Nuwan Pradeep also being recalled.

Fernando has not played for Sri Lanka since limping off the field in Paarl in January and the injury forced him to return home early from South Africa. He gets yet another opportunity despite disappointing returns in recent times. The 32-year-old fast bowler also returned halfway through Sri Lanka’s tour of England last year due to injury.

Leg-spinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi has been added in the squad for two T-20 games against Pakistan that will be played at Hambantota. Also in the squad is Isuru Udana.

Pakistan will start off their tour of Sri Lanka with the two T-20 games at Hambantota scheduled for next Friday and Sunday.

Then the teams will travel to Kandy for the first two ODIs of the five match series. The last three ODIs will be played at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Pakistan will arrive in Colombo next week.

Sri Lanka T-20 Squad: Mahela Jayawardena (Captain),T. M. Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushalya Lokuarachchi, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Sachithra Senanayake, Lasith Malinga, Chamara Kapugedera, Upul Tharanga and Isuru Udana.

Sri Lanka ODI squad:

Mahela Jayawardena (Captain), T. M. Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Sachithra Senanayake, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Pradeep and Dilhara Fernando.