Two warm-ups for Sri Lanka before NZ one-dayers

Monday, 4 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka will play two 50-over practice matches in preparation for the ODI series against New Zealand, at the Sinhalese Sports Club. A side consisting of most of Sri Lanka’s top players will take on a virtual A team on 5 and 7 November, before the Sri Lanka squad travels to Hambantota for the first ODI.

Dinesh Chandimal will lead the second-string team, which also features Lahiru Thirimanne. Fast bowler Shaminda Eranga, who was omitted from the Sri Lanka squad for the series, and fellow seam bowlers Suranga Lakmal and Thisara Perera will also play for the second side. Middle-order batsman Ashan Priyanjan will play for the top team. Sri Lanka have not played any international cricket since the home series against South Africa ended in early August, but have in that time played a first-class tri-series. The A team, which featured several Sri Lanka players, has also played a home tour of New Zealand A, and a Twenty20 series against Kenya, during the hiatus. The limited-overs series against New Zealand features three ODIs, starting 10 November, and two T20s.