Understudies given opportunity

Upal Chandana © Getty Images

Sri Lanka have named Upul Chandana and Nuwan Zoysa in their squad for the forthcoming one-day series in India, which gets under way in Poona on February 8.

The 15-man touring party will be without experienced duo Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, who are struggling with injuries, meaning Chandana and Zoysa are given a chance to impress ahead of the World Cup, which begins on March 13.

Chandana, the traditional understudy to Muralitharan, gets the nod after excellent performances for Sri Lanka A on their recent tour of India, while the need for a left-arm fast bowler in the absence of Vaas has paved the way for Zoysa’s inclusion.

Russel Arnold and Nuwan Kulasekera are also give the chance to impress the selectors.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said: "We have gone for a bit of experience and also to look at the depth available in Sri Lanka cricket.

“As Muralitharan and Vaas are not touring it is good to see the capability of some of the others.

Nuwan Zoysa offers options with his left-arm seamers

“Accordingly, we have recalled Nuwan Zoysa, Upul Chandana and Russel Arnold. We are focusing ourselves on the World Cup and will treat this trip with utmost importance.”

The tourists will meet India in a best-of-four series, and from Poona move to Rajkot for the second match on February 11 before the third in Margoa three days later.

The final match will take place in Visakhapatnam on February 17.

Sri Lanka chairman of selectors Ashantha De Mel added: “We have looked at a blend of youth and experience. We are also trying to finalise our final squad for the World Cup.

“Tom Moody [Sri Lanka coach] is currently in the West Indies looking at the pitches to determine the type of wickets we may encounter.

“Depending on that, we may have to opt for an extra spinner or seamer and, as such, we felt the players who are good enough should be given an opportunity to perform.”

Sri Lanka squad for tour of India

Mahela Jayawardene (Capt), Kumar Sangakkara, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Marvan Atapattu, Russel Arnold, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Malinga Bandara, Upul Chandana, Farveez Maharoof, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Zoysa, Dilhara Fernando, Nuwan Kulasekera.