National duty first: Dilshan

20 April 2011 12:28 pm - 20 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lankan captain T.M. Dilshan said national duty is more important than playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Sri Lankan players are committed to return by May 5.

Meanwhile Sri Lankan selectors today left out fast bowler Lasith Malinga and all-rounder Angelo Mathews from the 16-member squad for the three-match Test series in England, the PTI reported.

While Malinga, known as "The Slinger" for his low-armed delivery, struggles to maintain fitness in the longer version of the game, Mathews is still struggling to recover from a thigh muscle injury.

So Sri Lanka will have only one specialist all-rounder in Thisara Perera during the three Test matches.

In the absence of Malinga, veteran Dilhara Fernando will spearhead the pace attack, with Chanaka Welegedera, Suranga Lakmal and uncapped Nuwan Pradeep completing the fast bowling unit. And Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis and Rangana Herath, forming the spin triumvirate.

The big guns of the Lankan cricket -- Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera -- will form the strong middle order, while captain Tillakaratne Dilshan, Taranga Paranavithana and left-hander Lahiru Thirimanna would be the specialist openers.

There will be no official vice-captain for the newly-appointed captain Dilshan in the tour of England and the selectors have clarified that former captain Kumar Sangakkara would act as cover for Dilshan during his forced absences, if any, from the field.

Meanwhile, promising young wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal also finds a place in the team after being excluded from the World Cup squad.The first Test gets underway in Cardiff on May 26.

Sri Lanka squad

Tillakaratne Dilshan (capt), Tharanga Paranavithana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Prasanna Jayawardene, Thissara Perera, Suraj Randiv, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Dilhara Fernando, Chanaka Welegedara, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep.

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Comments - 20

David Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:04 PM

don't talk about things you don't understand and show the level of your knowledge , IPL doesn't pay players at once , players earn their quota based on their contribution ..

Royle Friday, 22 April 2011 11:56 PM

Play politics new captain or you will not be captain. But the BCCI bold all of you for a duck.

nimal Wednesday, 20 April 2011 02:30 PM

It's expected because You didn't performed well in IPL

padmini buterwiterge Wednesday, 20 April 2011 02:23 PM

ohhhh Dilshy boy you make my heart go ooomph.

mahesh Wednesday, 20 April 2011 02:29 PM

dude, seems u hv a problem with Dily boy, take it easy n u vil realise soon how dilshan is capable as a captain,,,thats my gut feeling ,,,,cheers

med student Wednesday, 20 April 2011 02:23 PM

wht do u want him to say..IPL comes 1st or wht ??

MagodisThuma Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:45 PM

Very Correct...!.

Dammika Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:25 PM

Come on he is just re-iterating what former capt. said. I don't his this guy can think that much.

Thariq Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:24 PM

dude u were initially given time till 20th.. forgot that?? wonder if u could drag sanga and mahela back with you!!!

hDA Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:20 PM

good on u dily,, maintain ur aggressive intent and u ll do fine.. u r nt here to make friends .. but to win games for SL.. and no point being a graceful looser continuosly.. might as well try to win more even if it rubs few people wrong way

Fairose Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:34 PM

Playing to the Gallery, Fits to become a politician in the future.

Speak the Truth Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:18 PM

Did you forget SLC signed a No Objection Certificate with BCCI? How much will Sri Lanka have to pocket out if it breaches its commitments and gets the players down before May 20th? Talk sense, Dilshan!

Sicillian Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:58 PM

Yah its true. But I really feel funny to hear it from Dilshan and not from Sanga

Feroze Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:09 PM

well said sir.Pls be calm and lead sri lanka to glory.

Nihal Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:02 PM

If players have signed a paper to say they will play to the finish, that should be respected. Putting few dollars in the pocket and leaving is wrong whether it's national or not.

truth Wednesday, 20 April 2011 01:02 PM

Good !

sxhabeeb Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:58 PM

Thats Good. National means the whole country. Win or loose - no matter thats sport.

LK Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:58 PM

Ohhh Dishan. I totally agree with you. But the problem is 5th is breach of agreement. SLC agreed to allow the players till 20th.

Common Man Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:57 PM

Well said new Captain. Good luck.

Burampi seeya Wednesday, 20 April 2011 12:53 PM

:-)

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National duty first: Dilshan

Comments - 20

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