Injured Welagedara replaced by Lokuhettige

Sri Lanka will be missing seam bowler Chanaka Welagedara in the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy and will be replaced by all-rounder Dilhara Lokuhettige in the 15-men squad, Sri Lanka Cricket announced yesterday.

The 32-year-old left arm swing bowler, who spearheaded the Lankan seam attack in the Test matches had been named in the original 15-member for the eight-nation ICC tournament to be held across England and Wales from June 6 to June 23.

Due to Welagedera’s ankle injury sustained during the Sri Lanka Cricket President’s Trophy Triangular Series at Pallekele, he missed the final match won by Rest of Sri Lanka on last Monday.

Welagedara, Sri Lanka’s regular Test fast bowler had earned a place in the original squad for his special ability to swing the ball as the only left arm fast bowler on the fast and bouncy wickets in England.

Dilhara Lokuhettige, 32, who excelled during the domestic triangular series during the last couple of weeks at Pallekele, yet to be approved by the ICC for the forthcoming tour.