Four inclusions in Sri Lanka’s provisional squad

Tuesday, 15 May 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis and fast bowler Dilhara Fernando have been named in the 30-man provisional squad for the upcoming tours by Pakistan and India. The squad has no new faces.

Mendis and Fernando last played for Sri Lanka during the tour of South Africa last year. Mendis, who suffered a back injury, hasn’t played a competitive match since January.

Nuwan Pradeep, the fast bowler, is also returning from injury. Pradeep suffered a hamstring tear in the tour match against the South African Invitation XI in Benoni and had to return home. He has since played just one first-class match for Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, picking up four wickets.

Another notable inclusion is the leg spinner Kaushal Lokuarachchi, who last played for Sri Lanka in 2007.

Pakistan arrives at the end of this month for a series of two T20Is, five ODIs and three Tests in June-July. India is expected to play a shorter series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is in July.