Colombo, Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka, minus leading strike bowlers Lasith Malinga and Rangana Herath, on Wednesday named a mixture of experienced players and likely contenders in its 15-man squad for a one-day international series against India starting next week.
The five-match series is not part of the official tour program, but was arranged after West Indies pulled out of its tour to India due to a pay dispute.
The squad announced for the first three matches has a strong batting lineup despite the omission of promising Lahiru Thirimanne and Dinesh Chandimal, but is weakened by the absence of Malinga, who is recovering from injury, and Herath.
Uncapped seam bowler Lahiru Gamage is included along with off spinner Suraj Randiv who played his last one-day international three years ago, and leg spinner Seekkuge Prasanna who has not had a regular chance.
Gamage has played in 33 first-class limited-over matches and taken 37 wickets.
Allrounder Chaturanga de Silva who has played in five one-day internationals for Sri Lanka will be a third choice spinner.
The squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Kusal Perera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Ashan Priyanjan, Niroshan Dickwella, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad, Lahiru Gamage, Chaturanga De Silva, Seekkuge Prasanna, Suraj Randiv. – Sapa-AP