This means there is no place for Chamika Karunaratne, Nirushan Dakwila, Nuvan Thishara, Ramesh Mendis, Praveen Jeokrama, Geoffrey Vandersay and Lahiro Madhushanka. Meanwhile, speedy spearhead Dushmantha Chimera has recently missed surgery in Australia due to a long-term injury problem.
The delayed squad announcement was caused by the country’s sports minister refusing to endorse it – a requirement under Sri Lankan sporting regulations – until an explanation was provided about Karunaratne’s dropping.
Lakshan is included as an alternative to Karuna Ratna. The 24-year-old Sam bowling all-rounder has been in good form with the bat in Sri Lanka’s first-class setup recently, starting with some impressive performances with both bat and ball during the inaugural edition of the LPL in 2020. was stuck in the circuit. . He will no doubt be hoping to stake a claim for a more permanent place in Sri Lanka’s white-ball sides.
Meanwhile, the in-form Kosalmendis will lead a batting unit that also includes Patham Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Ashin Bandara and skipper Dasan Shanaka.
Vanundu Hasringa, who also has the ability to bat, and Mahesh Thiekshana, will lead the spin-bowling contingent, supported by the likes of Villalage and De Silva when needed.
Kumara, Rajitha, Pramod Madhushan and Asitha Fernando will comprise the pace attack, with Shanaka and Lakshan providing part-time options.
Squad: Dasan Shanaka (Captain), Patham Nissanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Kosal Mendes, Vinindu Hasaranga, Donath Vellaghe, Dhananjaya Lakshan, Kisan Rajitha, Mahesh Thikshana, Pramod Madhushan, Asitha Kumar, La Ishita Kumar
