Mendis back in squad for South Africa

Elmo Rodrigopulle

Off spinner Ajantha Mendis makes a welcome return to big time cricket with his inclusion in the 16-man Sri Lanka squad to tour South Africa for a Three Test series beginning on December 9. There are no surprise inclusions in the squad. Mendis who had to miss a lot of cricket owing to injury, is now fully fit and the selectors did not have any hesitation in recalling him for this all-important tour. Mendis will partner left armer Rangana Herath as the two spinners in the squad, with Dilshan for support.

Fast man Dilhara Fernando who had a successful one-day series against Pakistan also makes a return to the longer version of the game. Kaushal Silva will do the glove work behind the stumps, because regular wicket keeper Prasanna Jayawardena is still unfit. Nuwan Kulasekera, Dhammika Prasad and Shaminda Eranga were also not considered for the same reasons.

The selectors have kept faith in all rounder Thisara Perera. A leg spin/googly bowler would have been ideal for variety and Seekuge Prasanna was unfortunate to miss out.

The 16-man squad to South Africa: Tillakaratne Dilshan (captain), Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva (wk), Chanaka Welegedera, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Thisara Perea, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath. The squad is announced pending Ministry approval.