Lankan selectors name ‘play it safe’ initial squad for Champions trophy
View(s):Tharindu Kaushal ignored once again
There were no major surprises when the Sri Lanka Cricket’s selection committee headed by Sanath Jayasuriya announced the initial 30 member pool for the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 scheduled to be played in England from June 6, 2013.
Mahela Jayawardena ack in the squad after injury
In the opening slot Upul Tharanga who had been ignored since the advent dashing Kusal Janith Perera has been named as the third opener.
Besides that former skipper Mahela Jayawardena who also missed the entire series against Bangladesh due to injury is also back in the 30-man squad.
However the selectors who seemed to be promoting young talent have played it safe by naming Ajantha Mendis, but omitted off spinner Tharindu Kaushal who have been among the wickets in recent matches. However leg spinner Malinga Bandara who has not been in any representative sides lately has got the nod of the selectors at least for now.
However there were many eyebrows raised when the selectors have named worn out names in Chamara Kapugedera and Farveez Maharoof who have repeatedly failed when they were afforded Opportunities at the highest level.
In June the English wickets are more conducive to seam bowling and in the initial squad they have named nine seamers besides skipper Angelo Mathews.
After the training sessions, the selectors will prune this squad down 15 players on May 5 and the team will have to be in England by May 27.
The Squad of 30: T.M Dilshan, Kusal Janith Perera, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardana, Angelo Mathews ( Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal (Vice captain), Kithruwan Vithanage, Angelo Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilina Kandamby, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thisara Perera, Shaminda Eranga, Suranga Lakmal, Farveez Maharoof, Chanaka Welagedara, Isuru Jayaratne, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Rangana Herath, Ajantha Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Dilruwan Perera, Milinda Siriwardena, Malinga Bandara, Seekuge Prasanna, Sachithra Senanayake.
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