Experienced seamer Nuwan Kulasekara and batsman Kithruwan Vithanage have been added to the Sri Lanka ODI squad for the New Zealand ODIs which begins on December 26th.
Prasad was ruled out from the entire tour due back injury while playing against New Zealand’s Board President’s XI in Queenstown. The uncapped left-armer Vishwa Fernando replaced Prasad for the Test series against New Zealand, but the selectors went ahead with the experience of Kulasekara.
Kithuruwan Vithanage, who is part of the current Sri Lanka Test squad will remain in the squad for the five-match ODI series as well as a replacement for the wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Janith Perera. He was suspended few weeks ago after his results were positive for a banned substance.
All-rounder Thisara Perera has been drafted in as cover for Lasith Malinga in the ODI squad. The bowling spearhead will undergo a fitness test to determine his recovery from a knee injury which he picked up during the West Indies ODI series last month. A final decision on Lasith Malinga’s participation in the series will be taken once the fitness test is concluded.
ODI Squad – Angelo Mathews (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (Vice Captain), TM Dilshan, Dinesh Chandimal, Milinda Siriwardene, Dhanushka Gunatillake, Kithruwan Vithanage, Sachithra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Chamara Kapugedera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Thisara Perera.
