Dilshan nets Sri Lanka call-up

9 January 2009

Tillakaratne Dilshan earns a place in the ODI side after his recent Test exploits

Middle-order batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan has been named in a 15-man squad for Sri Lanka’s one-day series against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka agreed to fill in a gap in Pakistan's calendar created by India's refusal to tour for a scheduled series, but have split their tour into two separate legs.

Sri Lanka will play three one-dayers before flying back home at the end of the month. They are scheduled to return to Pakistan in February for two Tests.

Dilshan showed prolific form in the two Tests against Bangladesh recently, scoring big back-to-back centuries in the second match last week.

The 32-year-old replaces all-rounder Dammika Prasad who was picked for the tri-nation one-day series in Bangladesh which is scheduled to begin on Saturday.

Explosive left-hand opener Sanath Jayasuriya retains his place in the squad, while the selectors have overlooked experienced left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas.

Sri Lanka Cricket have named former wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon Kuruppu as manager of the team for the series.

Sri Lanka squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Thushara, Chamara Kapugedera, Jehan Mubarak, Thilina Kandamby, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Kulasekera, Farveez Maharoof, Dammika Prasad, Angelo Mathews.