Champions Trophy: No Ajantha Mendis as Sri Lanka go big on pacers
Leading all-rounder Angelo Mathews continues to lead the side after the drawn ODI series again Bangladesh in March, a Sri Lanka Cricket press release said on Thursday.
Sri Lanka have announced the 15-man squad for next month's ICC Champions Trophy, comprising of as many six seam bowlers. There is no place for mystery off-spinner Ajantha Mendis.
Leading all-rounder Angelo Mathews continues to lead the side after the drawn ODI series again Bangladesh in March, a Sri Lanka Cricket press release said on Thursday.
Veterans Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara have been yet again thrusted the responsibility of shouldering the batting duties along with T Dilshan and youngster Lahiru Thirimanne.
Wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Chandimal is retained as vice-captain and will be fresh for duty as he is not participating in the ongoing Indian Premier League.
Bowling department sees five specialist fast bowlers in Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Shaminda Eranga, Chanaka Welagedera, apart from medium pace option that skipper Mathews provides.
Only two specialist spinner in Rangana Herath and Sachithra Senanayake have been included in the side for the tournament starting June 6.
Kusal Janith Perera is the side's second wicket keeper.
Full squad:
Angelo Mathews (Capt), Dinesh Chandimal (Vice Capt), T M Dilshan, Kusal Janith Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Lahiru Thirimane, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekera, Shaminda Eranga, Sachithra Senanayake, Chanaka Welagedera.