Selectors name 25-man training squad

Sri Lanka's selectors have announced a 25-man pool for the forthcoming ODI series against Australia. The training squad included six specialist spinners, including Kaushal Lokuarachchi, a young legspinner who returns after a disciplinary ban.

The selectors also included Rangana Herath, a slow left-arm spinner who last played international cricket in June 2000 against Pakistan, and Dinuka Hettiarachchi, another left-arm spinner, who has impressed during the ongoing provincial tournament.

Sri Lanka are expected to load their team with spinners against Australia and are likely to play only two quick bowlers -- probably Chaminda Vaas and Nuwan Kulasekera -- during the ODI series.

Dilhara Fernando, Sri Lanka's quickest bowler, has been ruled out of the series with a stress fracture of the lower back. Ruchira Perera comes back into the reckoning for the first since being reported for having a suspect bowling action.

Sri Lanka A players Russel Arnold, Saman Jayantha, Avishka Gunawardana, Chamara Silva and Thilina Kandamby have also been included in the pool and will have a chance to press their selection case during a warm-up match on February 17.

Australia are due to play five ODIs and three Test matches during a six-week tour that starts on February 16. The first ODI will be played on February 20 in Dambulla.

The squad has been sent to the Sports Ministry for ratification.

Squad Marvan Atapattu (capt), Sanath Jayasuriya, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Chandana, Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Dharmasena, Nuwan Kulasekara, Saman Jayantha, Avishka Gunawardana, Russel Arnold, Chamara Silva, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Zoysa, Dinusha Fernando, Chamila Gamage, Charitha Buddhika Fernando, Dinuka Hettiarachchi, Thilina Kandamby, Darshana Gamage, Ruchira Perera.