Chandimal, Akila in 15-man squad to face NZ

Former Test skipper Dinesh Chandimal and spinner Akila Dananjaya have been included in the 15-man squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand.

The series—a part of the newly introduced ICC Test Championships will be played in Galle and Colombo starting August 14.

Chandimal—a veteran batsman was omitted from the South African series which Sri Lanka won 2-0 in South Africa, following a poor outing in New Zealand and Australia early in the year. His inclusion, however does not guarantee him of a place in the playing XI with Niroshan Dickwella likely to do the wicket-keeping job.

Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne are likely to open batting with the top order consisting Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathew Kusal Janith Perera and NIroshan Dickwella.

Dananjaya who was reported for a suspect bowling action during November’s first Test of the England series in Sri Lanka returns to the Test side for the first time since clearing his action. Angelo Mathews who missed the Australian and South African series due to injury is also back in the side. The squad includes three spinners in AKila, Lasith Embuldeniya—who had a dream start to his career in South South Africa and Lakshan Sandakan. The pace department includes Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara.

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne – Captain, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis,  Kusal Janith Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Oshada Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando