SL squad for England named

Sri Lanka have recalled fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa and wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene to their squad for the upcoming tour of England. Young batsman Chamara Kapugedera is also included, and could make a Test debut at the tender age of 19.

Zoysa finds himself recalled for the first time since 2004 after Sri Lanka’s pace attacked struggled in recent games, whereas Jayawardene is called up as backup for first-choice wicketkeeper Kumar Sangakkara. The Sri Lankan management are anxious not to overburden Sangakkara, and therefore Jayawardene is expected to take his place in some of the warm-up games. He is unlikely to feature in Tests unless his batting form proves exceptional.

Ruchira Perera misses out on the squad after suffering a hamstring injury, while captain Marvan Atapattu has still not fully recovered from a back strain. Jehan Mubarak has been named on standby in case the captain fails to recover. It is likely that Mahela Jayawardene will lead the team if Atapattu is absent.

The series starts on May 11 at Lord’s, and will be followed by a series of five one-day internationals.

Test squad: Upul Tharanga, Marvan Atapattu (capt), Michael Vandort, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk), Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Malinga Bandara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Nuwan Zoysa, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera