Sri Lanka Excludes Wickramasinghe for ODI Series Against Australia, Emphasizes Spin Attack
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Sri Lanka has announced a 16-member squad for the ODI series against Australia, omitting seam-bowling all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe. The selection emphasizes a spin-heavy strategy to leverage home conditions, with key players like Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga included. The matches are set for February 12 and 14 in Colombo.
Key Takeaways
- Chamindu Wickramasinghe left out of squad.
- Focus on strengthening spin attack.
- Dunith Wellalage remains a key player.
- Pace lineup unchanged from New Zealand tour.
- Two ODIs scheduled for February 12 and 14.
Colombo, Feb 10 (NationPress) Sri Lanka has revealed a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match ODI series against Australia, with seam-bowling all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe being the sole player left out from the squad that recently competed in New Zealand.
This choice to omit Wickramasinghe is in line with the team's strategy to enhance their spin attack, taking into account the home conditions. It is noteworthy that Sri Lanka faced a 0-2 defeat against Australia in the two-Test series at Galle, failing to make the most of the spin-friendly settings.
The selection committee has favored a spin-heavy squad, a decision influenced by the characteristics of Sri Lankan pitches that typically benefit slower bowlers. Dunith Wellalage, who has become a pivotal player in such environments, retains his position as a spin-bowling all-rounder.
Wellalage's left-arm spin and useful batting lower down the order have made him a valuable asset, leading selectors to prefer him over Wickramasinghe, in adherence to the horses-for-courses principle. The pace lineup remains unchanged from the New Zealand tour, with Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara spearheading the attack. They are backed by young fast bowlers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga, both eager to leave their mark in home conditions.
However, the real strength of the squad lies in its spin attack, featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay as the primary options.
Captain Charith Asalanka and Wellalage add further spin-bowling alternatives, providing significant depth in this area.
The two ODIs are scheduled to take place in Colombo on February 12 and 14, with both matches set to begin at 10 am local time. These games will serve as an essential preparation phase for both Sri Lanka and Australia ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Squad: Charith Asalanka(c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nuwanidu Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Kumara.
