Sri Lanka Cricket selectors picked the following squad for the upcoming test series vs Pakistan in the UAE 2013/14
Wicketkeeper-batsman Prasanna Jayawardene will return to Sri Lanka’s 16-man Test squad after being left out for the home series against Bangladesh in March. Kaushal Silva has also been named, ostensibly as a replacement for the retired Tillakaratne Dilshan, as an opener. Left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando has been named in an international squad for the first time, despite missing out on both A team tours in the year. Offspinners Sachithra Senanayake and Dilruwan Perera are the other uncapped Test players in the squad, though both have played ODIs and Twenty20s. Fast bowlers Shaminda Eranga and Nuwan Pradeep will make a return to international cricket as well. Eranga had been omitted from the limited overs squad in the last two series, while Pradeep has not played for Sri Lanka since the New Year Test in Sydney. Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Kulasekara also find places in the squad, but there is no room for Thisara Perera. Chanaka Welegedara was unavailable for selection, as he remains in rehabilitation for his latest injury. The squad features a raft of young and inexperienced places, as Sri Lanka work towards replacing its seniors over the next 18 months.
Test Squad
1. Angelo Mathews (Capt)
2. Dinesh Chandimal (V.Capt )
3. Dimuth Karunaratne
4. Kaushal Silva
5. Kumar Sangakkara
6. Lahiru Thirimanne
7. Mahela Jayawardane
8. Prasanna Jayawardane
9. Nuwan Kulasekara
10. Suranga Lakmal
11. Shaminda Eranga
12. Vishwa Fernando
13. Sachithra Senananyake
14. Nuwan Pradeep
15. Rangana Herath
16. Dilruwan Perera
