Sri Lanka 30-man squad named

The Sri Lanka selectors have announced a predictable 30-man provisional squad for the Champions Trophy in October.

The only slight surprise is the inclusion of Avishka Gunawardene and Saman Jayantha in the squad. Both players have been on the fringe of the national side for a while now, but with the performances of Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga they haven’t really got a look in at the top of the order.

Gunawardene last played for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in January this year, while Jayantha last played for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in December 2004.

The selection committee announced that the final 14-man squad for the Champions Trophy will be named after the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka between the host nation, India and South Africa.

Sri Lanka are also involved in a preliminary round of three matches against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and West Indies to qualify for a place in the Champions Trophy.

Sri Lanka Squad
Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Avishka Gunawardene, Saman Jayantha, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Jehan Mubarak, Russell Arnold, Prasanna Jayawardene, Jeevan Mendis, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Ruchira Perera, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Zoysa, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dhammika Prasad, Akalanka Ganegama, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Muttiah Muralitharan, Rangana Herath, Malinga Bandara, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Sajeewa Weerakoon, Upul Chandana, Kaushal Silva.