Eranga replaces Thisara for Ireland ODIs

Monday, 5 May 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

ESPNCricinfo: Sri Lanka has called up fast bowler Shaminda Eranga to their squad for two ODIs against Ireland after Thisara Perera failed to get a visa approved in time. Thisara is expected to join up with Sri Lanka in England later in the month ahead of a T20 and five ODIs.

The Sri Lanka party arrived in Dublin on Saturday but Thisara did not travel with them, after experiencing a delay in getting a UK visa for the main part of the tour. The all-rounder, who hit the winning runs in the World T20 final, was part of Kings XI Punjab squad at the IPL in Dubai and was unable to get his passport and documents processed. Eranga is due to leave for Ireland on Sunday. He was not in the T20 squad for England and hasn’t played a limited-overs international since last year but is a key member of Sri Lanka’s Test attack. Sri Lanka have rested five senior players – Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Rangana Herath, Lasith Malinga and Tillakaratne Dilshan for the ODIs against Ireland, which take place on Tuesday and Thursday.