Sri Lanka recall all-rounder duo for ODI series against India

A distressed and depleted Sri Lanka side has recalled all rounders Thisara Perera and Milinda Siriwardana into the squad for the upcoming five-match ODI series against India that begins on August 20. Sri Lanka suffered a massive defeat against the Indians, which saw the island nation lose the 3-match Test series in just under 11 days. The Lankan team has been going through a transition phase which saw now ex-skipper Angelo Mathews step down from the helm earlier in July and has been looking for a change in fortunes since then.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Malinda Pushpakumara and left-handed seamer Vishwa Fernando who played in the recently concluded Test series will also be making their ODI debuts, against the Men in Blue. Upul Tharanga has been bestowed with the duty of leading the 15-man squad.

However, there is a host of players suffering from injuries and have been dropped from the squad. Nuwan Pradeep (hamstring) and Asela Gunaratne (thumb) the pick of the lot. Also, with limited space available in the squad, Asitha Fernando, Nuwan Kulasekara and Lahiru Kumara who had played in the ODI series against Zimbabwe were dropped.

Skipper Upul Tharanga urges fans to get behind the team

Speaking to the media, Tharanga has called for support from the fans as he said, “Every team goes through a rough patch. This is something that happens in cycles to every team and every nation no matter how great a cricketing nation they are. The support of our fans plays a big role in lifting the morale of the team.”

Tharanga further added, “We play for our country and our goal is to bring pride to our family of 20 million in this nation – so your support is something that matters greatly to us.”

Sri Lanka squad

Upul Tharanga (C), Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana, Malinda Pushpakumara, Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lasith Malinga, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando