Will recalled Chandimal make it to playing XI?
Sri Lanka recalled axed former captain Dinesh Chandimal for the twomatch Test series against New Zealand but prospects of the wicket- keeper batsman making it into the playing XI for the opening Test in Galle look bleak.
Chandimal, a veteran of 53 Tests with an average of 41.86, was dropped from the team and its leadership ahead of Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa in March when the right-hander aggregated just 24 runs in four innings in the two-match Test series in Australia.
He was then overlooked for the World Cup in England, a huge blow to the 29- year- old who had expected to lead the side at the quadriennial event. Given his experience-- he is one of just two Sri Lankans among the current lot with an average over 40 in Test cricket-- he was drafted into the 15- man squad named on Friday but could lose his place in the playing XI to wicket- keeper bat Niroshan Dickwella.
Dickwella, who was omitted from the World Cup squad, hit form during the A team’s tour of India. He registered centuries in both the four- day matches in Belgaum as well as the six-match List A series. He was Sri Lanka’s second highest run- scorer, with 216 at 43.20, striking them at 109.64.
Chief Selector Ashantha de Mel said that they will go ahead with the opening combination of skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne for the series as they could grind out the opposition by batting longer.
“They are both technically sound players who can bat longer
Sri Lanka Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Oshada Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando
New Zealand Squad: Kane Williamson (c), Tom Latham, Jeet Raval, Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, B.J. Watling, Tom Blundell (wk), Colin de Grandhomme, Mitchell Santner, Todd Astle, Will Somerville, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel
and put New Zealand bowlers under pressure in these hot and humid conditions," he said. "We also have the option of playing Oshada Fernando to bat at the top of the order but it’s a call the captain should take."
Fernando was brought into the side as replacement for Angelo Mathews for the South African series and made an early impression helping Sri Lanka record a 2-0 victory over South Africa. He accumulated 131 runs off four innings with a best of unbeaten 75. But with Mathews returning to the side, the chance of Fernando regaining a place in the side looks dim.
The 15-man Test squad also sees the return of Akila Dananjaya, the off-spinner who is expected to lead the spin pack in the absence of injured Dilruwan Perera. Dananjaya, who remodeled his bowling action after being called for a suspect action last December, played his first series with the
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national side last month against Bangladesh in a three-match T20 series. He seems to have done enough to win the confidence of the selectors and earn a recall to the Test side.
The spinning department sees the return of Lasith Embuldeniya who will fight for a place in the side with Dananjaya and Lakshan Sandakan. The captain also has the spin option of Dananjaya de Silva who is likely to play the role of bowling all-rounder in the side.
The selectors had named three fast-bowlers in Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando.
Meanwhile, the only practice game before this week’s opening Test in Galle was washed out due to heavy rains. Just the first day’s play was possible in the three-day tour match where the New Zealand batters did not get the much- needed practice ahead of the series opener.
The first Test begins on 14 August at Galle where Sri Lanka hold a proud record. The series will mark the initiation of both teams into the ICC World Test Championship cycle. After the Tests, New Zealand and Sri Lanka will also clash in three Twenty20 Internationals.
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