23-year old left-arm chinaman spinner Lakshan Rangika Sandaken has been selected to the Sri Lanka squad for the first time when the national selectors named the 16-man Lankan outfit for the 4th and 5th ODI games against England.
Sri Lanka squad have been boosted with more spin to their armory with the inclusion of Lakshan who had an outstanding 2013/14 domestic season when he ended as the top wickets-taker with 54 scalps in 10 matches with an impressive average of 19.15 representing Colombo Cricket Club. The left-arm unorthodox spinner learnt his basics of cricket from De Mazenod College and he has been in the thick of his business during the recent past with his accurate left-arm leg-breaks and googly deliveries and the hosts will try to bamboozle the visiting Englishmen with another unique spin-bowling style. During the recent Dialog Cricket Awards 2013/14, he was awarded as the best bowler in the premier league.
The uncapped spinner shared his thoughts exclusively with www.thepapare.com, ” I’m so happy and excited about this call-up. I have worked very hard during the last season to become the highest wicket-taker. I will try to do my best for my country If i get the chance to play.”
Ashan Priyanjan retains his place in the squad after been named as Mahela Jayawardene’s replacement for the 3rd ODI and Thilina Kandamby makes way for the former Sri Lanka captain. Fast-bowler Suranga Lakmal makes a return to the Sri Lanka ODI squad after recovering from an ankle injury which kept him out of action for 3 months.
The 4th ODI between Sri Lanka and England will take place on 7th December at R. Premadasa International Stadium and the series stand 2-1.
Squad:
1. Angelo Mathews (Captain)
2. T.M Dilshan
3. Kusal Janith Perera
4. Kumar Sangakkara
5. Mahela Jayawardena
6. Lahiru Thirimanne
7. Ashan Priyanjan
8. Jeevan Mendis
9. Rangana Herath
10. Dilruwan Perera
11. Lakshan Rangika Sandakan
12. Dhammika Prasad
13. Suranga Lakmal
14. Thisara Perera
15. Lahiru Gamage
16. Ajantha Mendis
