Malinga is back in SL Test squad
Colombo, July 9: Seamer Lasith Malinga could return to Test cricket for the first time in more than two years after being included in the squad to face India on Friday.
However, spinner Ajantha Mendis has been dropped from the 16-member squad announced by Sri Lanka selectors for the three-Test series starting July 18.
The 26-year-old Malinga struggled with injuries during 2008 and ’09, which limited him to appearances in one-day competition. He formed part of the Sri Lanka side that reached the semifinals of the World Twenty20 in May.
Malinga has played 28 Tests. His last Test appearance was in 2007.
Mendis, who has played in 10 Tests, took a world record 26 wickets in a debut three-Test series to lead Sri Lanka to victory over India in 2008. The 25-year-old spinner broke a 62-year record of 24 wickets set by England’s Alec Bedser.
The squad includes 20-year-old Lahiru Thirimanne who is yet to play a Test.
Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Muttiah Muralitharan, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Dilhara Fernando, Dammika Prasad, Suraj Randiv, Thilina Kandamby, Chanaka Welegedara, Lahiru Thirimanne.
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