New look Lankan team for tri-series
Chris Dhambarage
The National cricket selectors yesterday brought in uncapped left
hand opening batsman Lahiru Thirimanna into the Sri Lanka team for the
forthcoming Tri Series limited overs tournament in Bangladesh.
The 20 year old stylish opener from Ragama CC is set to make his one
day international debut during this tournament which will be worked off
from January 4 to 13 in Dhaka. The hosts Bangladesh and India are the
other two teams participating in this event.
The three teams will play each other twice and the two top teams will
meet in the final on January 13 with all day night matches to be held at
the Shree Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. The Sri Lankan team
captained by Kumar Sangakkara will leave for Bangladesh on New Year’s
Day.
Lahiru Thirimanna who made his first class debut last year emerged as
one of the prolific run getters in the recently concluded SLC Premier
League Tier ‘A’ tournament. He was the third highest run getter with a
tally of 709 runs from just eight matches.
Thirimanna was in excellent form for Ragama CC in this tournament
where he compiled two centuries and five fifties at a superb average of
59.08. He had also represented the Sri Lanka Under-19 and Sri Lanka ‘A’
team.
The National selectors also recalled veteran leg spinner Malinga
Bandara and elegant middle order batsman Chamara Silva who was in fact
the highest run getter during the SLC Premier League Tier ‘A’
tournament.
The solid right hander from Bloomfield amassed 900 runs from 11
outings at a fantastic average of 56.25. He also notched up three
centuries and four fifties. Meanwhile Tillekeratne Dilshan was named
vice captain of the team following the absence of ace spinner Muttiah
Muralitharan who is out with an injury.
Veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya, mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis and
paceman Dilhara Fernando have been rested. However speedster Lasith
Malinga and middle order batsman Chamara Kapugedera have been left out
following a poor series in India.
The Sri Lanka team: Kumar Sangakkara (Captain ), Tillekeratne Dilshan
(V. Captain ), Upul Tharanga, Tilan Samaraweera, Thilina Kandamby,
Chamara Silva, Lahiru Thirimanna, Thisara Perera, Muthumudalige
Pushpakumara, Malinga Bandara, Suraj Randiv, Thilan Tushara, Suranga
Lakmal, Nuwan Kulasekera and Chanaka Welagedara. Officials: Brendon
Kuruppu (Manager), Trevor Bayliss (Coach), Stuart Law (Asst. Coach),
Chandika Hathurusinghe (Shadow Coach), Tommy Simsek (Physiotherapist),
Jade Roberts (Trainer), Sanath Jayasundara (Computer Analyst), Lal
Thamel (Masseur), Manoj Abeywickrama (Fielding Coach) and Vinothan John
(Selector on Tour).
The itinerary:
January 4:
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka
January 5:
India v Sri Lanka
January 7:
Bangladesh v India
January 8:
Bangladesh v Sri Lanka
January 10:
India v Sri Lanka
January 11:
Bangladesh v India
January 13: Final
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