Sri Lanka announce squad for ODI series against South Africa

Published - 27 Jan 2017, 20:13 IST | Updated - 27 Jan 2017, 20:13 IST

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The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) national selection committee announced the 16 man squad for the 5 match ODI series against South Africa. The series commences on January 28 at Port Elizabeth. The visitors had a horrid start to the tour as they were whitewashed by the Proteas 0-3 in the Test series. However, their fortunes changed as the formats moved to the shorter one. After losing the first T20I, the Sri Lanka team managed to win the next two and thereby seal the series 2-1.

The national committee has now left no stone unturned in picking up a versatile squad for the ODI series. The selection committee was headed by SLC Chairman Sanath Jayasuriya. In a very surprising announcement, Upul Tharanga has been named as the captain of the side. Dinesh Chandimal is likely to be his deputy. The new skipper has come in place since regular captain Angelo Mathews had to head back home after pulling up a hamstring injury during the second T20I. The squad is predominantly comprising of the players who played in the T20 fixtures.

Dhananjaya Silva and Niroshan Dickwella have been retained in the side. The spin department has been beefed up with the inclusion of Jefferey Vandersay. A host of newcomers have been named in the squad. The platform is set for the rookies to announce themselves. Among the new faces, the prominent ones are Sandun Weerakkody, Lahiru Madushanka and Vikrum Sanjaya. The pace department will be handled by Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Kulasekara. Nuwan Pradeep has missed out on a spot in the side owing to an injury.

Here is the complete squad:

Upul Tharanga (c), Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Sandun Weerakkody, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Chaturanga de Silva, Sachith Pathirana, Jefferey Vandersay, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Madushanka, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Vikrum Sanjaya.