Kalavithigoda named in Sri Lanka tour party

Sri Lanka have called up Shantha Kalavitigoda, a 28-year-old uncapped opener, for next month's rescheduled tour to New Zealand. Kalavitigoda's surprise inclusion follows his impressive 39 and 83 against England A earlier in the week, which came on the back of another good domestic season.

Kalavitigoda's considerable first-class experience - 100 matches, 11 hundreds and a rising average of 32.86 - and reputation for being a reliable performer led to him being preferred to a number of younger rivals, most notably Ian Daniel who missed his opportunity to impress against England A.

Sri Lanka have also recalled Ruchira Perera, a left-arm fast bowler who has bounced back after suspicions over his bowling action, in a 14-man squad that includes five pace bowlers, two spinners and seven batsman. Nuwan Zoysa's knee problems, coupled with Perera's fine form in the recent provincial tournament, persuaded the seven-man selection panel to give Perera, now 27, another chance after a difficult two years since his last Test against South Africa in November 2002.

Earlier that year Perera's bowling action was reported as suspect during the first Test against England at Lord's. Although remedial action led to him being given the all-clear, his confidence leaked away and prior to this year's provincial tournament he'd almost given up hope of another chance. But he caught the eye in the final, capturing 9 for 127 and taking a hat-trick.

Marvan Atapattu, as expected, has been retained as captain with Mahela Jayawardene as vice-captain. Kumar Sangakkara will keep wicket after the retirement of Romesh Kaluwitharana and that leaves Sri Lanka with the option of playing an allrounder or an extra batsman at No 7.

Sri Lanka leave for New Zealand on March 23 and will play a warm-up game before two Tests in Napier and Wellington starting on April 4 and April 11. The tour will be followed by a five-match ODI tour of India which has been arranged at the last minute.

Sri Lanka Marvan Atapattu (capt), Mahela Jayawardene (v-c), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), T M Dilshan, Thilan Samaraweera, Shantha Kalavithigoda, Upul Chandana, Chaminda Vaas, Rangana Herath, Farveez Maharoof, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Ruchira Perera.