Left-arm spinning all-rounder Sachith Pathirana has been added to the Sri Lanka ODI squad in place of retired batsman, Tillakarathne Dilshan for the remainder of the Australian series.
27-year old Pathirana made his debut for Sri Lanka in ODIs against Pakistan last year and went on to play 3 matches, taking 3 wickets for 200 runs in the series.
Pathirana had a superb 2015/16 domestic season, captaining CCC as he took 45 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 29.62.
During the recent Sri Lanka ‘A’ team tour of England, Pathirana took 2 wickets in 4 matches in the tri-series against Pakistan ‘A’ and England Lions. He scored 95 runs in 4 innings in the first-class encounters against Pakistan ‘A’ and captured 6 wickets in those two four-day matches.
“He’s looked in as a bowling all-rounder and has a good chance of playing tomorrow.” Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said regarding the selection of Pathirana.
Sri Lanka ODI squad for the 4th and 5th matches
Angelo Mathews (Captain), Dinesh Chandimal (Vice-Captain), Danushka Gunathilake, Dhananjaya De Silva, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Perera, Kusal Janith Perera, Sachith Pathirana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Thisara Perera, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Amila Aponso, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Kumara.
