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| Monday, 26 April 2004 |
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Tillakaratne overlooked as Lanka add three Test specialists by Chris Dhambarage Experienced middle order batsman and ex-captain Hashan Tillakaratne has been dropped as the national selectors included middle order batsman Thilan Samaraweera, opening batsman Ian Daniel and wicketkeeper bat Prasanna Jayawardene in a 19-member Sri Lanka squad for the two-test series against Zimbabwe next month. Tillakaratne, who stepped down from captaincy after Sri Lanka's humiliating 0-3 home series defeat at the hands of Australia last month, has been overlooked as Sri Lanka pinned their hopes on the youngsters. Thirty six-year-old Tillakaratne has already indicated that he wants to continue playing Test cricket. But the selectors have opted for young talent with a vision for the future. Jayawardena has been called in as a stand bye wicket keeper to experienced Kumar Sangakkara while promising opener Daniel is yet to make his Test debut. The 22-year-old right-handed former Josephian captain has been rewarded after a rich harvest in New Zealand with Sri Lanka 'A' team, scoring 322 runs at an average of 53.66. Samaraweera has already proved his class as a batsman and a useful part time slow bowler. The trio are due to leave for Zimbabwe today to join the Sri Lanka team which is currently playing a five-match one day international series against Zimbabwe. On conclusion of the one day series, in which the tourists take a winning 3-0 lead after yesterday's smashing victory, Sri Lanka will play a three-day practice match against Zimbabwe 'A' on May 1. The three Test specialists are likely to be given a chance to play in the solitary side game before the first Test against Zimbabwe starting in Harare on May 6. However, the Lankan selectors are yet to decide on which players the trio would replace in the one-day squad. Sri Lanka Squad: Marvan Atapattu (captain), Mahela Jayawardene, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Saman Jayantha, Thilina Kandamby, Nuwan Zoysa, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Kulasekara, Farveez Maharoof, Upul Chandana, Rangana Herath, Thilan Samaraweera, Ian Daniel, Prasanna Jayawardene. |
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