Jayasuriya tipped for openers slot
Sanath Jayasuriya has been named in a 14-man squad for the first Test against South Africa starting in Colombo on Thursday
Cricinfo staff
25-Jul-2006
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Jayasuriya, 37, has been tipped to retain his opening slot alongside Upul Tharanga following Michael Vandort's failure in the warm-up match. Jayasuriya had been called back from retirement during Sri Lanka's recent tour of England, and batted at No.6 in the third Test. During the one-day series, Jayasuriya hit the England bowlers for 322 runs as he picked up the Man-of-the-Series award. He and Tharanga were also involved in a record 283-run stand that carried Sri Lanka to a 5-0 sweep.
All the fast bowlers who toured England - Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando and Farveez Maharoof - have been retained while Rangana Herath, the left-arm spinner, has also been included. His last Test was against Bangladesh in September 2005. Sajeewa Weerakoon, a slow left-arm bowler, has been placed on standby with reports that Herath is nursing an injury.
The 14-man squad is subject to final ratification by Sri Lanka's sports minister. Meanwhile, South Africa have yet to finalise their team for the Test.
Sri Lanka squad: Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedara, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Malinga Bandara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Michael Vandort, Rangana Herath.