Saeed Khan/ AFP
In a surprise move, Sri Lanka's Test captain Dinesh Chandimal has been dropped from the squad for their upcoming series against South Africa. Opener Dimunth Karunaratne has been named stand-in captain in his stead.
All-rounder Angelo Mathews remains side-lined by injury and has therefore been left out of the squad. The other significant changes see pacer Lahiru Kumara and spinner Dilruwan Perrera axed from the squad alongside batters Roshen Silva and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Five relatively inexperienced players from The domestic circuit have been added to the roster as replacements.
Chandimal struggled for form in the Test series against Australia with a top score of 15 and was poor in the Tests against New Zealand as well. His omission although a surprise, comes off the back of repeated failures.
Wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella has been vice-captain for Sri Lanka's tour to South Africa which will include two Tests, five ODIs and three T20s. The Test series is scheduled to commence first in Durban on the 13 th of February.
Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Niroshan Dickwella, (VC), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Milinda Siriwardana, Dhananjaya De Silva, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohamed Shiraz, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Embuldeniya
