Sat, Jul 24 10 09:57 AM
Sri Lanka fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who helped bowl his side to a 10-wicket victory over India in the first test on Thursday, has been rested on medical advice for the second test that starts on Monday.
Malinga was rested on the advice of team physiotherapist Tommy Simsek after the bowler complained of stiffness in his right knee, chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva said.
The 26-year-old, who only returned to the test arena at Galle after having last played a test match in Dec. 2007 because of an injury to the knee, took five for 50 in India's second innings that helped his side to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
"We have to be cautious with Malinga. He was not feeling quite fit to go through a five-day test. He complained of stiffness in his knee," said De Silva.
Malinga will be replaced by Dilhara Fernando.
Ajantha Mendis who took six for 67 in a three-day game against India but was overlooked for the first test, was named in the 16-man squad and is likely to take the now retired Muttiah Muralitharan's position.
Muralitharan retired after he took his 800th test wicket with his final delivery at Galle.
Former captain Mahela Jayawardene was named as Kumar Sangakkara's vice-captain to replace Muralitharan.
"We want Mahela who has a good cricket brain to be part of the decision-making in the middle," said De Silva.
Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Ajantha Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Chanaka Welegedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Thilina Kandamby, Dammika Prasad, Lahiru Thirimanne, Nuwan Pradeep.
Source: Published>
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