No surprises in Lanka ODI squad to India
 

BY SA'ADI Thawfeeq

SRI LANKA selectors sprang no surprises when they named a 15-man squad for the seven-match one-day international series against India starting later this month.

They more or less retained the same squad that routed Bangladesh 3-0 in last month's series at home. Tall lanky left-arm fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa is the the only new face, so to say, to that squad.

Zoysa made only one appearance in the IOC one-day triangular tournament against India and West Indies and, was overlooked for the Bangladesh series.

Chairman of selectors Lalith Kaluperuma said that Zoysa forced himself into the reckoning by performing well for Sri Lanka 'A' in the recently concluded one-day triangular against New Zealand 'A' and South Africa 'A'.

Although he took only one wicket for 60 runs in three matches he was the most economical of the Sri Lankan bowlers conceding just 3.78 runs per over.

Kaluperuma said that 20-year-old left-handed opener Upul Tharanga was picked to give him continuity to the form he displayed against Bangladesh where he was the man of the series.

He made his maiden one-day international century in the series in addition to scoring 60.

Kaluperuma said that Tilan Samaraweera retained his place in the squad because none of the 'A' team batsmen had performed to expectations. Samaraweera notable for his dour batting displays in Test matches was drafted into the squad for the Bangladesh series to play the role of a super sub batsman.

The Sri Lankan team is due to leave on the first leg of their tour to India on October 20. They will play seven one-day internationals between October 25 and November 12 before returning home.

The second leg which commences on November 25 will comprise a series of three Test matches and a three-day practice match.

SRI LANKA ONE-DAY SQUAD TO INDIA: Marvan Atapattu (captain), Mahela Jayawardene (vice-captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Tilan Samaraweera, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, Farveez Maharoof, Russel Arnold, Dilhara Fernando, Muttiah Muralitharan, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Nuwan Zoysa.