Sri Lanka include four specialist spinners in 15-squad

Sri Lanka's selectors have picked a 15-man squad for the opening Test against New Zealand, including the previously out-of-favour wicket-keeper, Romesh Kaluwitharana, and four specialist slow bowlers. In all, eight changes have been made since Sri Lanka's last test against South Africa at Centurion in November.

Michael Vandort, a left-hander who scored a century in his last test against Bangladesh but was then a surprise omission from the South Africa tour, and Tillakaratne Dilshan, a 26-year-old right-hander, will be competing for the final place in the middle order, assuming that Sri Lanka play six specialist batsmen and Kaluwitharana at number seven.

They could, however, opt instead for playing Kaluwitharana - who has not played test cricket for two years following the emergence of Kumar Sangakkara - at number six and include a spinning all-rounder at number seven: either Kumar Dharmasena, Upul Chandana or Kaushal Loukuarachchi, who would be making his debut if he plays.

The P.Sara Stadium, the home ground of star bowler Muttiah Muralitharan, traditionally favours the spinners and it is clear that Sri Lanka's strategy will rely heavily on their slow bowlers. With Sanath Jayasuriya also available to bowl, they could field as many as four.

With Dilhara Fernando having not recovered from an injury to his lower back, Prabath Nissanka looks set to partner Chaminda Vaas, Sri Lanka's leading fast bowler who has recovered from an ankle injury, although the uncapped Dharshana Gamage also comes into the reckoning.

Jayasuriya, who has struggled in the middle order in tests after dropping down during Sri Lanka's tour of England last year, is expected to open the innings again with Marvan Atapattu, the vice-captain.

The out-of-form Mahela Jayawardene confirmed his place in the squad with a century against the touring New Zealanders at the weekend whilst Sangakkara, freed from the responsibility of keeping wicket, will bat at number three.

However, there is no room for Russel Arnold, who had a miserable series against South Africa, scoring just six runs in four innings, and Jehan Mubarak, a left-handed opener who impressed at Centurion when he replaced Jayasuriya but failed in the one-day series that followed.

With Dav Whatmore having been granted early leave from his contract, which was to expire at the end of May, Duleep Mendis has been appointed as interim coach for the series. Hashan Tillakaratne, a surprise choice for the test captaincy, leads the side.

The first test in the two match series starts on April 25 with the second test to be played in Kandy on May 3. The two sides will then play in a triangular also involving Pakistan.

Full squad:

Hashan Tillakaratne (Capt), Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Michael Vandort, Romesh Kaluwitharana (wk), Kumar Dharmasena, Upul Chandana, Kaushal Loukuarachchi, Chaminda Vaas, Prabath Nissanka, Dharshana Gamage, Muttiah Muralitharan