Arnold takes over 'A' team captaincy from Mubarak

BY SA'ADI Thawfeeq

JEHAN Mubarak who had a horrendous series with the bat as captain against England 'A' and Pakistan 'A' has been replaced by seasoned campaigner Russel Arnold for the upcoming 'test' and one-day series against West Indies 'A'.

Sri Lanka's chairman of selectors Lalith Kaluperuma said that the selection committee felt that Mubarak should not be burdened with the captaincy and that he should be in a free frame of mind to concentrate on his batting.

"We thought that captaincy was one of the reasons for his failure with the bat and decided to release him off the burden. Mubarak is a talented cricketer who has a future ahead of him as a national player. We want to give him every opportunity to get there," said Kaluperuma.

Mubarak averaged just 4.40 in the one-day triangular and 27.85 with one fifty in the four unofficial tests against England 'A' and Pakistan 'A'.

Arnold, another left-hander like Mubarak has led Sri Lanka 'A' teams with success in the past and undertaking another series is nothing new to him.

"Arnold has done a good job as captain before and he is geared to handle pressure better," said Kaluperuma.

The appointment also gives Arnold the opportunity to enhance his chances of regaining his place in the national team.

Kaluperuma said that the current squad of 29 players will be reduced to 15 by next week for the two 4-day unofficial tests against West Indies 'A' starting at Dambulla on June 23 and at Kandy on June 29.

The squad played a three-day practice game last week and were also involved in two one-day matches with the national squad as a preparation for the upcoming series.

Kaluperuma said that left-arm fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa will not be considered for selection as he is still recovering from a knee operation. He said that there was fitness concerns surrounding opening bat Shantha Kalavitigoda.

"Kalavitigoda injured his shoulder in New Zealand and we are expecting a report on his progress from physio C.J. Clark today," said Kaluperuma. He said there were other members of the squad with niggling injuries but they were not of a serious nature.

West Indies 'A' are due to arrive on June 16 and play a two-day practice game at Moratuwa from June 19 before commencing the 'test' series. They will also play five one-day limited over matches.

The tour itinerary:

June 16: Arrival

June 19-20: 2-day practice match at Moratuwa

June 23-26: 1st unofficial test at Dambulla

June 29-July 2: 2nd unofficial test at Asgiriya

July 5: one-day practice match at Kurunegala

July 7: 1st one-day match at Dambulla

July 9: 2nd one-day match at Dambulla

July 12: 3rd one-day match at Sara Stadium

July 14: 4th one-day match at R. Premadasa Stadium

July 16: 5th one-day match at CCC grounds

July 17: Departure.