National selector for Lord’s Test to finalize ODI and T20 squads
Sri Lankan Cricket (SLC) will send one of its new selectors on the England tour, according to Thilanga Sumathipala, the President.
Speaking over the mobile from London, Sumathipala said, “we will be sending one of the selectors for the last Test match (at Lord’s, commencing from June 9)”.
The four-member new selection panel, with Sanath Jayasuriya as the chief selector, will assume duties today and will serve for two years. The other three members in the panel are Romesh Kaluwitharana, Eric Upashantha and Ranjith Madurusinghe.
“The names of the selectors are recommended by SLC and approved by the Hon. Minister. The selection committee meeting is conveyed by the Secretary” added Sumathipala.
Sri Lanka is scheduled to play three Test matches at Leeds (May 19-23), Chesterle-street *May 27-31) and Lord’s (June 9-13).
“At present, it is not decided which selector would travel to England for the Lord’s Test. (But) whoever goes will go to finalize the squads for the ODIS and T20s”, the President added.
Sri Lanka will also play two ODIS’ against Ireland before the five ODIS’ and one T20 t o follow.
“We have a practice of choosing the captain by the selectors and then these selectors, together with the captain, pick the rest of the squad”, Sumathipala added.
The captains in other two Test playing Asian countries- Pakistan and Bangladesh- is named by their respective boards. In India, the same procedure as in Sri Lanka, is followed.
“Team manager, captain and vice captain are the selectors on tour. Coach has to be independent. He will only communicate with the President of SLC and selectors will be informed (via secretary) about coach’s stance”, Sumathipala signed off.