Dilshan Ariyawansha
This is a 16 man probable squad for the upcoming ODI series against west Indies. This squad has been chosen based of the need to blood young players to the side with the 2023 world cup in mind and also giving a chance for out of form seniors and overlooked players to cement their place in the side. This squad also gives the chance for players to step up and fill the shoes of retired players like Malinga.
1. Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain)
2. Avishka Fernando/ Danushka Gunathilaka
3. Kusal Janith (Wk)
4. Angelo Matthews
5. Oshada Fernando/ Minod Bhanuka (Wk)
6. Dasun Shanaka/ Dhanajaya De Silva
7. Wanidu Hasaranga
8. Isuru Udana (If unavailable Thisara Perera or Lahiru Madushanka)
9. Lakshan Sandakan/ Amila Aponso
10. Nuwan Pradeep
11. Lahiru Kumara/ Dushmantha Chameera
Dushmantha Chameera is a like for like substitute for Lahiru Kumara to make sure there’s extra pace in the 11. Minod Bhanuka impressed in his only ODI appearance and his temperament can be tested in this series to see if he can play the role of 2nd keeper.
De Silva and Shanaka can play as batting allrounders and one or both could play depending on the balance of the side. Lahiru Madushanka is capable of bowling 10 overs and is more than handy with the bat as his domestic record suggests. ( 62 List A games: 778 runs at an Avg. of 26 and SR of 97. 49 Wkts at an Avg. of 28 and Econ. of 5.03)
When is this series against West Indies?
In February
Sri Lanka’s ODI squad against West Indies;
1. Dimuth Karunaratne (C)
2. Danushka Gunathilaka
3. MDKJ Perera (wk)
4. Kusal Mendis
5. Angelo Mathews
6. Dananjaya De Silva
7. Dasun Shanaka
8. Hasaranga De Silva
9. Isuru Udana
10. Lakshan Sandakan/ Lahiru Kumara
11. Nuwan Pradeep
12. Lahiru Kumara
13. Dushmantha Chameera
14. Minod Bhanuka
15. Kasun Rajitha
16. Vishwa Fernando