Test recalls for Murali, Zoysa, Arnold

BY SA'ADI Thawfeeq

THERE were Test recalls for bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Nuwan Zoysa, both coming back from injuries and middle-order batsman Russel Arnold in the 14-member Sri Lanka squad picked for the back-to-back Test matches against the West Indies starting at the SSC grounds on July 13.

Off-spinner Muralitharan, the world's second highest wicket-taker with 532 wickets returns to Test cricket after a near 11-month lay-off after having undergone surgery on his bowling arm.

Muralitharan has just completed a two-month stint with English county Lancashire and has come through it well bowling 233 overs in six matches and taking 36 wickets at a cost of 15.00.

Zoysa is also returning after undergoing a knee operation. He returned to competitive cricket last week when he helped Sri Lanka 'A' square the series against West Indies 'A' in the second 'test' played at the Colts grounds.

Left-hander Arnold wins a recall to the Test squad after being on the sidelines for quite awhile. He went out of the squad at the end of the 2003 World Cup and in the past two years has played in only one Test against Australia at Darwin in June last year.

Arnold was picked for New Zealand last December for the one-dayers and Tests but the tour was aborted following the tsunami disaster. When Sri Lanka returned to New Zealand four months later for two Tests Arnold was not among the 14 chosen.

Arnold's recall culminates with his grand knock of 159 for Sri Lanka 'A' against West Indies 'A' in the second unofficial test at the Colts last week. He led from the front and enabled Sri Lanka 'A' to secure an innings win.

"It is really good to be back. I worked very hard at my game over the past months and everything came right during my innings of 159. I hope to continue my form and make the most of it," said Arnold yesterday.

Arnold's presence may solve the no. 7 spot in the Sri Lankan batting line up where several players have been tried out and failed.

All-rounder Gayan Wijekoon is the only uncapped player named in the 14.

Wijekoon (27), a left-handed all-rounder wins selection for consistency. He has been an asset to any captain and in the 'A' series played this year against England and Pakistan and currently against West Indies he has performed well with fighting knocks and lively left-arm bowling.

Excluded from the squad that made the tour to New Zealand for the two-Test series in April are all-rounder Farveez Maharoof, batsman Shantha Kalavitigoda and fast bowlers Nuwan Kulasekera and Ruchira Perera.