Sachithra Senanayake replaces injured Rangana Herath for next two ODIs against England

Sachithra Senanayake recalled for the next two ODIs against England

Sri Lankan off-spinner Sachithra Senanayake, who was cleared by the ICC to bowl in international cricket on Tuesday, has been called in as a replacement for the injured Rangana Herath for the next two ODIs against England. if he does play, it will be his first game for his country in almost seven months after being banned for an illegal bowling action in July.

Sri Lanka are already 3-1 up in the ongoing seven-match series, and a win in Pallekele on Wednesday will ensure a much-deserved series win for the Lankans.

A Sri Lanka Cricket release said that Herath, their premier spinner, may also be unavailable for the first Test of the two-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on Boxing Day, due to personal reasons.

But the Lankans wouldn’t be too disappointed with the loss of the left-arm spinner at least as far as ODI cricket is concerned, considering the impressive form Senanayake showed in the shorter formats before his suspension.

Senanayake’s return to the team comes as a huge sigh of relief for the well-wishers of Sri Lankan cricket including captain Angelo Mathews, with the 2015 ICC World Cup being just a couple of months away.

However, Senanayake wasn’t named in the 16-man Test squad for the tour to New Zealand. This will be Sri Lanka’s first Test assignment since their 2-0 home win over Pakistan. Dinesh Chandimal, who wasn’t part of Mahela Jayawardene’s farewell series, has been recalled while Herath is the lone spinner in the 16-man squad.

The first Test which starts on December 26 will be played in Christchurch, and the second and final Test starts from January 2 in Wellington, following which there will be a 7-match ODI series in preparation for the World Cup.

Test Squad for New Zealand: Angelo Mathews (capt), Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella, Prasanna Jayawardena, Dinesh Chandimal, Dilruwan Perera, Kaushal Silva, Shaminda Eranga, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath