Sri Lanka Cricket named their squad for the ICC World Cup 2015 in Australia/New Zealand at a media conference held at SLC headquarters on Wednesday.
Angelo Mathews playing his 2nd World Cup will lead a strong Sri Lanka outfit which consist 7 batsmen, 4 fast-bowlers, 2 spinners and 2 all-rounders. Lahiru Thirimanne has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team in his first World Cup.
National Selection Committee Chairman, Sanath Jayasuriya expressed his views on the selection during the announcement of the team, “We have selected the best squad to suit the conditions in Australia and New Zealand. I believe we can win the World Cup and whole Sri Lanka wants the same.”
One of the most experienced players to feature in the 2015 World Cup, Mahela Jayawardene will represent Sri Lanka for the 5th consecutive time while his partner in crime, Kumar Sangakkara will play his 4th World Cup.
Eight players will play their first-ever 50-over World Cup namely, Rangana Herath, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sachithra Senanayake, Jeewan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal and Dhammika Prasad.
“We selected Dimuth as the opening partner of TM Dilshan due to his knock in the 1st Test and feel he has adjusted well to the conditions in New Zealand. We have Mahela Jayawardene as a backup opener if needed but we need his experience in the middle-order.” Jayasuriya shared his views on the question raised about the opening pair of the team.
Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara playing their 3rd world event will spearhead the fast-bowling while TM Dilshan making his 3rd world cup appearance will open the batting for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka will commence their World Cup campaign on the Valentine’s Day in Christchurch against the co-hosts, New Zealand.
Sri Lanka have been drawn in group A and will compete for a quarter-final berth with England, Australia, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Scotland.
www.thepapare.com wishes our Lions all the very best for a successful tournament.
Squad:
Angelo Mathews (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (Vice-captain), TM Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene,Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunarathne, Jeewan Mendis, Sachithra Senanayake, Rangana Herath, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad.
