Kulasekara replaces Prasad in ODI squad

Nuwan Kulasekara has replaced the injured Dhammika Prasad in Sri Lanka's squad for the ODI series in New Zealand, which begins on December 26. Prasad had been ruled out of the entire tour when he sustained a back injury during the tour game against New Zealand's Board President's XI in Queenstown. The uncapped Vishwa Fernando had replaced Prasad in the Test squad, but for the ODIs the selectors chose to go with the experienced Kulasekara, who has 182 wickets from 168 ODIs.

Kithuruwan Vithanage, currently in the Test squad, will remain in New Zealand for the ODIs as well, as a replacement for Kusal Perera, who was suspended following a positive test for a banned substance.

Sri Lanka are also keeping a close eye on the fitness of their ODI pace spearhead Lasith Malinga, who is recovering from a knee injury picked up during the recent home series against West Indies. If Malinga fails to clear a fitness test ahead of the ODI series, the allrounder Thisara Perera will take his place in the squad.