Selectors back youth for series against Pakistan A

The national selectors plonked for youth in naming a squad of 15 players to meet Pakistan 'A' in the first of three four-day unofficial 'Tests' starting at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday

That Test players like Avishka Gunawardene, Lanka de Silva, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suresh Perera, Malinga Bandara have been overlooked to give Dhammika Sudarshana, Ian Daniel, Michael Vandort, Sajeewa Weerakoon, and Chandana Samarasinghe the chance to prove themselves, is an indication that the selectors are keen to give the borderline players the chance to grab the opportunity afforded them.

Although 15 have been named, all-rounders Gayan Wijekoon and Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, batsman Upekha Fernando and fast bowler Dinusha Fernando are likely to be left on the sidelines.

Two spinners have been named and chairman of selectors T.B. Kehelgamuwa said they will, in all probability, be retained for the entire series.

Left-arm spinner Sajeewa Weerakoon and right-arm leg-spinner Chandana Samarasinghe are being given the exposure in this series in an effort to find a spin partner for spin ace Muttiah Muralitharan. Weerakoon has been in outstanding form this domestic season finishing with the largest haul of wickets - 79 for BRC in 12 matches.

The presence of Kumar Sangakkara as batsman and wicket-keeper has once again ruled out the chance of Prasanna Jayawardene staking a claim for a Test place in the senior side.

Jayawardene has not been able to hold a permanent place in any one of the three clubs he has moved to - NCC, Sebastianites and SSC. The selectors argue that they cannot select a player if he is not guaranteed a place with his own club.

Sangakkara is given an opportunity to regain his lost batting form. In recent times, the highly talented left-hander has been struggling for runs at international level and he gets a chance to redeem himself.

Tillekeratne Dilshan is another Test cricketer who is also fighting to retain his place in the senior side. He has been rested from the first 'Test' and is likely to take over wicket-keeping duties from Sangakkara in the second 'Test' at the NCC.

The Pakistan 'A' cricketers led by Test batsman Hasan Raza arrived on Sunday to play a series of three unofficial Tests and three unofficial one-day internationals against Sri Lanka 'A' during their five-week tour.

Sri Lanka 'A' squad for first unofficial Test: Thilan Samaraweera, captain, SSC, 24 years); Dhammika Sudarshana (Galle CC, 25); Ian Daniel (SSC, 19), Michael Vandort (CCC, 21); Chamara Silva (Panadura SC, 21); Kumar Sangakkara (NCC, 23); Jeevantha Kulatunga (Colts, 27); Sajeewa Weerakoon (BRC, 23); Chandana Samarasinghe (Antonian SC, 23); Ruchira Perera (SSC, 24); Akalanka Ganegama (NCC, 20); Dinusha Fernando (Sebastianites, 21); Upekha Fernando (SSC, 21); Gayan Wijekoon (Tamil Union, 24); Muthumudalige Pushpakumara (Colts, 19); Coach - Hemantha Devapriya; Manager - Norton Frederick.