Samaraweera to lead Sri Lanka A in 'Test' series

Sri Lanka selectors have appointed all-rounder Tilan Samaraweera to lead the Sri Lanka A team against Pakistan A in the three-Test unofficial series commencing this month.

Samaraweera, who has represented his country in seven one-day internationals, was a strong candidate for the job, having proved his credentials as captain by leading Sri Lanka A to victory over Zimbabwe A in last year's home series.

In the recently concluded Premier tournament, Samaraweera (24), a right-hand batsman, scored 368 runs (avg. 61.33) and took 33 wickets (avg. 19.12) with his off-breaks for Singhalese SC.

Pakistan A are due to arrive on June 10 and play the first of three unofficial Tests commencing on June 13. They will also play a series of three unofficial One-Day Internationals for which the captain has yet to be named.