Lanka experiment with bowlers in Malinga's absence

Monday, 22 November 2010 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

COLOMBO (Reuters) - The absence of strike bowler Lasith Malinga has prompted Sri Lanka selectors to once again experiment with their bowling line-up for the second test against West Indies.

Fast bowlers Dammika Prasad and Thilan Thushara were dropped after both failed to take a wicket in the drawn first test, while seamer Nuwan Kulasekara was recalled after a year-long absence.

Right-arm fast bowler Shaminda Eranga, 24, could make his test debut after being included in the 16-member squad. Kulasekara played the last of his 11 tests against India in December 2009. Chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva said Sri Lanka are trying to find the right combination of fast bowlers to share the new ball in test matches as their main spearhead Malinga was unavailable. The second test begins on Tuesday. Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Mahela Jayawardene (vice-captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene (wicketkeeper), Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilhara Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Rangana Herath, Thilina Kandamby, Kaushal Silva, Shaminda Eranga.