Sri Lanka announce 15-member squad for 2019 World Cup
What's the story
Sri Lanka announced the 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019 to start from May 30 onwards. Dimuth Karunaratne has been named the skipper of this side. There were many notable names axed from the squad including former captain Dinesh Chandimal. Several faces also made a surprise comeback. Here we look at the Lanka squad.
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Here's Sri Lanka's 15-member squad for 2019 World Cup
Sri Lanka's 15-member squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeffery Vandersay, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana.
Team selection
A look at notable hits and misses
Three Lankan players Milinda Siriwardana, Jeffrey Vandersay and Jeevan Mendis were the surprise inclusions. Siriwardana and Vandersay last played the 50-over format for Lanka in 2017. Jeevan comes back after a gap of four years. Lanka decided to axe key players in the form of Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dinesh Chandimal, Upul Tharanga and Akila Dananjaya. Whereas, in-form Oshada Fernando is placed on standby.
Top order
A look at the Lankan top order
Skipper Karunaratne is a notable Test player and has just 17 ODIs under his belt. It remains to be seen how the opener applies himself in ODI cricket. 21-year-old opening batsman Avishka Fernando keeps his place. The likes of Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis and Lahiru Thirimanne can all bat in the top order. Lanka have options to choose from and identify suitable positions.
All-rounders
Lanka have gone in with many all-rounders
Lanka have a fleet of all-rounders and they will be required to chip in. Angelo Mathews and Thisara Perera are experienced campaigners. A lot will ride on the shoulders of these two veterans. Isuru Udana offers support and is another pace-bowling all-rounder. Jeevan and Siriwardana are spin-bowling all-rounders in the side alongside star player Dhananjaya de Silva. There is variety in this department.
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Malinga leads the bowling attack
Lasith Malinga spearheads the bowling attack. The veteran pace bowler will look to give his all ahead of retirement from ODIs. Suranga Lakmal and Nuwan Pradeep are two premium pacers. Vandersay is the side's leg-spinner. For Lanka, the bowling by the all-rounders will be crucial.