Aravinda De Silva to be sent to South Africa

Aravinda de Silva looks set to be sent to South Africa as a replacement for Upul Chandana, who has sustained an injury and is being sent back to Sri Lanka.

Ajit Jayasekera, the Sri Lankan Manager, said to CricInfo this morning: "Upul Chanadana has an injury and will be returning to Sri Lanka and we have made a request for a batsman to replace him. We would like Aravinda de Silva to be sent."

The selection committee has yet to confirm whether de Silva is to be sent. The alternative is Hashan Tillekaratne. Both players form part of the reserve pool, who have been training in Colombo in recent weeks.

Aravinda de Silva was implicated in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) report into match fixing. When the report was published the Sri Lankan Cricket Board launched an inquiry into the allegations. Desmond Fernando was appointed to lead the inquiry and given a 30-day period in which to conduct his investigations. This deadline has now passed and Fernando is believed to have requested more time.

Aravinda de Silva has denied any involvement with bookmakers. The BCCSL President, Thilanga Sumithipala, stated at the time that the players concerned would not be prevented from playing until proven guilty.