New players in Sri Lanka squad for Zimbabwe series-by Dhammika Ratnaweera
The selectors already have selected a few new players to the National squad for the forthcoming Zimbabwe three ODI series which is scheduled to commence on January 16 at Pallekele. According to reliable sources the 18 member cricket squad has been named and subject to approval after the fitness test.
The two players Janith Liyanage and Nuwan Thushara who have performed well during the recently concluded LPL tournament are in the squad while Kamil Mishara and paceman Kalana Perera, both had been named for the LPL but didn’t get a chance to play in the tournament, are among the 18-member squad.
The 26-year-old top-order right-hander from Ragama CC Janith was adjudged player of the tournament at the last domestic premier limited over tournament was named the Best Emerging Player of the LPL tournament by making two fifties during his four matches for the Dambulla Giants side. Liyanage was not called for the last Sri Lanka ‘A’ team against Pakistan ‘A and this is a good chance for him to prove his ability.
In addition, right arm paceman Nuwan Thushara from Colts CC for the first time got a chance to enter the national squad. The bowler who has similar action of Lasith Malinga played for Galle Gladiators took his best figures of 5 for 13 against Jaffna Kings in their qualifier game proved his abilities at the LPL and his selection is deserving.
Kamil Mishara, the wicketkeeper, and opener was also named for the last Test squad against West Indies but didn’t get a chance to enter the final eleven, However, Minod Bhanuka is the only recognised wicketkeeper who can open the batting (Kusal Janith Perera also on injury list) in this new squad and Mishara is also a good choice for the team.
Meanwhile, the champion leg-spin all-rounder Waninu Hasaranga who was injured during the LPL final still in the recovery period and selectors are more concerned about leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay for this squad. Vandersay the 31-year leggie who played his last One Day at the 2019 world cup against West Indies at Chester Le Street is once again among the wickets to make a comeback ahead of Lakshan Sandakan. Vandersay has finished with 6 for 25 which was the best figures of LPL while he got 5 for 27 at the final game of the Major limited over tournament gain championship for Tamil Union is expected to make a comeback.
The middle-order batter and good fielder Ashen Bandara was also recalled for the ODI squad while Chamika Karunaratne, Charith Asalanka, Ramesh Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and mystery spinner Mahesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Shiran Fernando can retain their places in this squad. Skipper Dasun Shanaka, who tested positive for COVID-19 and recovered, is to be named in the squad. The Lankan squad will start their practices under Bio Bubble on the 9th.
