Dilshan to lead SLCP XI against England

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who led Sri Lanka 'A' to a 3-0 victory in the one-day series against Zimbabwe Select XI in Zimbabwe last month, will lead the Sri Lankan Cricket President's XI sides in the two warm-up matches against England.

Dilshan, overlooked for the Australian Test tour because of poor form, scored 111, 78 and 31 to lead Sri Lanka 'A' to victory in Zimbabwe in the limited-over matches. He followed these scores with a one-day career best knock of 188 off 135 balls (12 sixes, 14 fours) for Bloomfield against Colts at Havelock Park last weekend.

Also included in the squad for the first three-day game starting at the CCC grounds on November 20 are opener Upul Tharanga and legspinner Malinga Bandara, members of Sri Lanka's team in Australia.

Jehan Mubarak and left-arm fast bowler Sujeewa de Silva - who are also part of the Australian tour contingent - have been included in the squad named for the second three-day practice match starting at the NCC grounds on November 25.

England starts a three-Test series against Sri Lanka at Kandy on December 1. The second Test is scheduled at the SSC and the third at Galle.

Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI side at CCC grounds (Nov. 20-22): Upul Tharanga, Dilruwan Perera, Malinda Warnapura, Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Chamara Kapugedara, Thilana Kandamby, Kaushal Silva (wk), Dhammika Prasad, Malinga Bandara, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekera.

Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI side at NCC grounds (Nov. 25-27): Upul Tharanga, Mahela Udawatte, Malinda Warnapura, Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Jehan Mubarak, Chamara Kapugedara, Kaushal Silva (wk), Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Chanaka Welagedera, Ishara Amerasinghe, Sujeewa de Silva. -