Sri Lanka axe iconic stars

COLOMBO – Sri Lanka have dropped iconic stars Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan from their squad for the three-match limited overs series in the West Indies next month, the sport’s governing body said yesterday.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga also does not feature in a new-look 15-member squad. Jayasuriya, a 38-year-old veteran of 411 limited overs matches scored just 103 runs in seven matches in the recent tri-nations series in Australia.Jayasuriya retired from Test cricket in December to concentrate on his limited-overs game.Sri Lanka’s poor showing in the Australian tournament saw them finish last behind champion India and the hosts.Ace offspinner Muralitharan was expensive in the series despite taking 11 wickets in eight matches.The selectors have called in talented 22-year-old spinner Ajantha Mendis from the Sri Lanka Army who has impressed with 37 wickets in 19 domestic matches.Allrounder Kaushalya Weeraratne has earned a spot in the national squad after nearly five years.The three-match limited series begins in Trinidad on April 10.News24Jayasuriya, a 38-year-old veteran of 411 limited overs matches scored just 103 runs in seven matches in the recent tri-nations series in Australia.Jayasuriya retired from Test cricket in December to concentrate on his limited-overs game.Sri Lanka’s poor showing in the Australian tournament saw them finish last behind champion India and the hosts.Ace offspinner Muralitharan was expensive in the series despite taking 11 wickets in eight matches.The selectors have called in talented 22-year-old spinner Ajantha Mendis from the Sri Lanka Army who has impressed with 37 wickets in 19 domestic matches.Allrounder Kaushalya Weeraratne has earned a spot in the national squad after nearly five years.The three-match limited series begins in Trinidad on April 10.News24