Kapugedara to lead after Tharanga ban, Chandimal, Thirimanna call-up

Test skipper Dinesh Chandimal has been recalled to the ODI side to replace skipper Upul Tharanga who has received a two-match suspension for slow overate during the second ODI in Pallekele on Thursday.

Tharanga was slapped with the ban after his side found guilty of a serious over-rate offence (three overs) during the second ODI which India won by three wickets.

Chamara Kapugedara will lead the side in the absence of Tharanga.

" In accordance with Article 2.5.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to serious over-rate offences, players were fined 10 per cent of their match fees for the first two overs and 20 per cent of their match fees for the third over their side failed to bowl in the allotted time, with the captain also receiving two suspension points," ICC said in a statement.

 

As two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player, Tharanga has been suspended from his side’s upcoming matches against India in Pallekele and Colombo on 27 and 31 August respectively, while each of his players have received a fine of 40 per cent.

 

Tharanga pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

This is the second time Tharanga was suspended for the same offence. He was slapped with a two match suspension after his side was found guilty of a serious over-rate offence in its Group B fixture against South Africa during the Champions Trophy.

Meanwhile, the selectors have also recalled Lahiru Thirimanna as injury cover to Danushka Gunathilaka who hurt his shoulder while fielding in the second ODI.