SL vs New Zealand Test Series Chandimal named in Sri Lanka’s probable squad

Dinesh Chandimal

• The three-member Selection Committee, along with Captain Dimuth Karunaratne discussed the composition of the squad on Monday, and submitted the list to the SLC to be sent for the approval of Minister of Sports Harin Fernando

By Bipin Dani 

Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) new National Selection Committee comprising of Ashantha de Mel (Chairman), Chaminda Mendis and Vinothen John have included Dinesh Chandimal in the squad of 22-probables for the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand. 

The three-member Selection Committee, along with Captain Dimuth Karunaratne discussed the composition of the squad on Monday, and submitted the list to the SLC to be sent for the approval of Minister of Sports Harin Fernando.  

Thirty-year-old Chandimal played and captained the last Test against Australia at Canberra in February this year and was later dropped for the South Africa tour. 
In fact, Chandimal is currently representing the Montreal Tigers in the Global T20 League in Canada. 

“His (Chandimal) presence in the 3-day practice game beginning on Thursday at Katunayake is not necessary but all selected players will be required to assemble on August 10,” a source close to the SLC said yesterday. The first Test commences at the Galle Stadium on August 14. 

“Out top management will communicate with Chandimal and it is assumed that he may be asked to return for National duty,” the source further added. 

In the meantime, SLC President Shammi Silva, Vice-President Ravin Wickramaratne and CEO Ashely de Silva met the SLC Coaching Staff (academy, high performance, junior and Women’s) and discussed about the development of the game in the country.