Sri Lanka’s national cricket selectors has recalled fast bowler Lasith Malinga after a year in wilderness and included him in a 16-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2018 which will be played from 15th to 28th September in the UAE.
The 35-year-old who has 301 ODI wickets to his name had been largely ignored since his last ODI appearance in September last year against India. He picked up only 3 wickets in 6 games and gave away runs at 8.67 per over in the ongoing SLC T20 League 2018.
Test captain Dinesh Chandimal, who did not play against South Africa in the recent ODI series following his six-match ban, has been recalled to the squad along with Danushka Gunathilaka, who will also make a comeback after serving his six-match suspension for breaching the ‘Player Code of Conduct and Contractual Obligation’.
Asia Cup 2018 – Schedule released
Wicket-keeper batsman Niroshan Dickwella, left-arm spinners Prabath Jayasuriya, Lakshan Sandakan and middle-order batsman Shehan Jayasuriya have all been dropped after featuring against the Proteas’ while Lahiru Kumara was not considered for selection due to an injury.
Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh in the curtain-raiser of the tournament on 15th September in Dubai.
Sri Lanka squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Dhanajaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Dilruwan Perera, Amila Aponso, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Lasith Malinga.
Stand-by players – Niroshan Dickwella, Shehan Madushanka, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Shehan Jayasuriya.
