The Sri Lankans have sprung a couple of surprises in their squad for the ICC World Twenty20.
Udana and De Saram selected in squad for T20 showpiece
The Sri Lankans have sprung a couple of surprises in their 15-man squad for the ICC World Twenty20 in England.
Uncapped all-rounder Isuru Udana has been included after an outstanding performance in a recent provincial Twenty20 tournament.
Thirty five-year-old middle order batsman Indika de Saram, who last played for Sri Lanka in 2001, has also been selected after proving himself a consistent performer in the format domestically.
Kumar Sangakkara will captain the side for the first time following the resignation of Mahela Jayawardene, while Muttiah Muralitharan will act as vice-captain.
Fast bowler Lasith Malinga returns for his first major international tournament since the World Cup in 2007 following his recovery from a long-term knee injury, but there is no room in the squad for experienced left-armer Chaminda Vaas or regular paceman Dilhara Fernando.
The other notable absentee is batsman Chamara Kapugedera, who lost his place in the team and a national team contract after a low-scoring year.
Promising all-rounder Angelo Mathews, currently playing for Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League, is also in there.
The Sri Lanka team is due to leave for England on May 28 and faces a tough task in qualifying, with Australia and West Indies providing the competition in Group C.
Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, T.M. Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Thilan Thushara, Lasith Malinga, Isuru Udana, Farveez Maharoof, Jehan Mubarak, Indika de Saram
