Tilan Samaraweera to Captain Sri Lanka ‘A'

Right-hand batsmen and off-spinner, Tilan Samaraweera, has been selected as captain of a 37 member `A' pool for the forthcoming series against Zimbabwe. The announcement follows another fine performance by the 23 year old all rounder during this weekends limited overs semi final against Colts CC, where he took 3-14 off his ten overs.

A large training pool has been identified for the series, which includes three 4-day tests and three ODI's, with the emphasis on Youth. The Chairman of the Selectors, Siddath Wettimuny, wants to concentrate minds on the development and formation of the next senior squad, to replace the present one in two to three years. He is also pointed towards the need to identify a fast bowling all rounder for the 2003 World Cup.

The goods news is that there has been continuity of selection and nine members of the U19 World Cup squad have been included in the pool. However whilst the emphasis is on youth the likes of Tillekeratne Dilshan, Indika de Saram and Rangan Herath will be joining the training squad shortly and should get a further opportunity to press their credentials for a regular place in the senior side.

Sri Lanka `A' training squad: Tilan Samaraweera (Capt), Avishka Gunawardana, Pradeep Hewage, Kumar Sangakkara, Upekha Fernando, Shantha Kalavitigoda, Ian Daniels, Jehan Mubarak,, Prasanna Jayawardena, Rashan Peiris, Malintha Warnapura, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Chamikara Mudulige, Nimesh Perera, , Malinga Bandara, Priyankara Wickremasinghe, Nishitha Rupasinghe, Dinuk Hettiarrachchi, Ishara Dilshan, Ranil Dammika, Niroshan Bandaratilake, Prabath Nissanka, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Akalanka Ganegama, Ishara Amerasinghe, Chamara Silva, Chandana Samarsinghe, Malintha Gajanayake, Suresh Perera, Ruchira Perera, Sujeewa de Silva, Dinusha Fernando, Charitha Buddhika, Chintaka Jayasinghe, Dilhara Fernando, Sajeeva Weerakoon, Dammika Sudarshana