Dickwella misses out, as Lakmal and Chameera return for T20s

By Madushka Balasuriya 

Niroshan Dickwella found himself on the wrong side of Sri Lanka’s recent string of top-class batting performances, as he was omitted from the 15-man squad for the upcoming Nidahas Trophy, while both Dushmantha Chameera and Suranga Lakmal are fit and rearing to go having recovered from injuries.

Dickwella’s spot is taken by the returning Kusal Janith Perera, who is making his way back from a side strain. Dickwella, who has been one of Sri Lanka’s more consistent performers in recent times, will count himself unlucky to miss out, though with Kusal Mendis - who replaced Perera for the T20 series in Bangladesh - also in superlative form, there is suddenly competition for places among the Lankan batsmen. As such, the rest of the batting unit remains unchanged from the T20s against Bangladesh.

Elsewhere, Dhananjaya De Silva has been brought in to replace the injured Asela Gunaratne, while Lakmal’s return takes a little of the sting out of the impressive Shehan Madushanka’s hamstring strain. Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay has been left out with Sri Lanka opting to go with an extra paceman in Chameera. 

Amila Aponso and Akila Dananjaya make up the spin contingent, while all-rounder Jeewan Mendis with his leg spin will also be an option.

The Nidahas Trophy, which also sees India and Bangladesh take part, will begin on 6 March.

Full squad:

Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dasun Shanaka, Kusal Janith Perera, Thisara Perera, Jeewan Mendis, Suranga Lakmal  (Vice Captain), Isuru Udana, Akila Dananjaya, Amila Aponso, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya De Silva

Sri Lanka Cricket team checks into Mövenpick Hotel Colombo

The Sri Lankan Cricket team checked into Mövenpick Hotel Colombo yesterday (28 February), in preparation for the 2018 Nidahas Trophy, the upcoming cricket tournament scheduled to be held in Sri Lanka during the month of March. Both the Bangladesh and Sri Lankan Cricket squads will be staying at the Mövenpick Hotel Colombo during the tournament. Here, team members are warmly welcomed by the Guest Relations team at the hotel premises.