SL in NZ: Sri Lanka names squad of 17 for Tests

Sri Lanka named a squad of 17 players under the captaincy of Dinesh Chandimal for the upcoming Tour to New Zealand today (30).

The squad includes Dinuth Karunaratne as the vice captain and virtually the same set of players who played against the recent Tests against England, which ended in a disastrous 0-3 whitewash. 

Spinner Akila Dananjaya, who was called for suspect bowling action, has not been named into the squad, and Sri Lanka will go with veteran spinner, Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan. 

Opener Kaushal Silva has been dropped from the squad while Sri Lanka will have the option of three openers -- Dimuth Karunaratne, Danushka Gunathilaka and Sadeera Samarawickrama.

Middle order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne makes a comeback into the Test side after a long lapse.

The squad also includes five fast bowlers - Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera.  

Sri Lanka will leave for New Zealand on Tuesday (4) and will play two Test matches, before commencing the ODI series.

The first Test will commence on December 15 at the Basin Reserve in Wellington, followed by the second Test that will commence on December 26 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
 
Sri Lanka Test Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne (VC), Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera