Atapattu set for Test comeback

Middle-order batsman Malinda Warnapura and fast bowler Sujeewa de Silva are certain to be included in the upcoming three-Test home series against Bangladesh, starting later this month, while former captain Marvan Atapattu is set to make a comeback to Test cricket after a long lay off.

Selection committee sources confirmed that Warnapura, who has been in prolific form for Sri Lanka A on the tour to India and in the home series against Bangladesh A, and Silva, who has bowled impressively in both series, will be tried out during the series.

Warnapura, a nephew of Sri Lanka's first Test captain Bandula Warnapura, is yet to play a Test has not played in a Test before but de Silva has played in two Tests against Bangladesh in 2002, managing seven wickets.

"We may probably rest Chaminda Vaas and also Tillakaratne Dilshan to give these youngsters a break in the international circuit and see how they shape up," said a spokesman for the selection committee.

He also confirmed that Atapattu would be selected for the Test series instead of veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya who is expected to be rested from the series. Atapattu's last Test appearance was against India in 2005 before a back injury forced him out of international cricket. He returned to the team early this year, only to be left out of the playing XI.

Atapattu's omission from the World Cup and three match one-day series against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi created a furore, putting enough pressure on the national selection committee to include him for the Bangladesh series.

The Test squad of 14 is expected to be announced on June 11 after the return of captain Mahela Jayawardene who is currently in India leading the Asian XI against the Africa XI in a series of one-day matches.