Sri Lanka squad for Champions Trophy

Ranjan Anandappa

The much awaited Sri Lanka cricket squad for the 6th ICC Eight Nation Champions Trophy tournament to be held in South Africa from September 22 to October 5, 2009 was announced yesterday.

The Lankans had to borrow time from the ICC to name their final squad to ascertain the fitness of paceman Dilhara Fernando, but he ultimately ended up in the standby list.

There were no surprises in the team as the selectors have stuck to a blend of youth and experience. Sri Lanka will be competing in a tournament of this magnitude under Kumar Sangakkara who has had a pleasing ODI record since he took over as captain.

The competition was to be staged in Pakistan last year, but due to security reasons it was not been held.

Australia are the defending champions having defeated the West Indies by 8 in the final when it was last held in 2006, in Mumbai, India.

Sri Lanka has been drawn into group 'B' with host South Africa, New Zealand and England while Australia, India, Pakistan and West Indies are in group "A'.

Sri Lanka will take on South Africa in the opening match at Super Sports Park, Centurion on September 22.

The Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakara (Captain), Muthiah Muralidharan (Vice captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, T.M. Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardena, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilina Kandamby, Angelo Mathews, Thilan Thushara Mirando, Nuwan Kulasekera, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Samaraweera, Upul Tharanga, Dhamikka Prasad.

Officials: Manager - Brendon Kuruppu, Coach - Trevor Bayliss, Assistant Coach - Paul Farbrace, Physiotherapist - Tommy Simsek, Trainer - Jade Roberts, Computer Analyst - Nalin de Alwis, Masseur - Lal Thamel, Shadow coach - Chandika Hathurusinghe, Fielding coach - Manoj Abeywickrema.

Stand by: Isuru Udana, Malinga Bandara, Kaushal Silva, Dilhara Fernando, Gihan Rupasinghe.