Sri Lanka's cricket selectors on Friday recalled off-spinner Suraj Randiv for the home Test series against England, but left out in-form batsman Chamara Silva. Randiv, who was dropped for the tour of South Africa in December-January, won back his place in the 14-man squad after picking up 37 wickets in five first-class matches this season.
The 27-year-old was selected ahead of unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis to partner left-armer Rangana Herath in the two-Test series starting in the coastal town of Galle on Monday. Randiv has taken 21 wickets in six Tests since his debut against India in July, 2010 following the retirement of world bowling record holder Muttiah Muralitharan.
Silva, 32, who played the last of his 11 Tests in 2008, continued to be ignored despite scoring 163 against England in a practice match in Colombo earlier this week. Mahela Jayawardene, who took over as captain from Tillakaratne Dilshan after the South Africa tour, will have all-rounder Angelo Mathews as his deputy.
The second Test will be played at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo from April 3. Sri Lanka's Test squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Angelo Mathews, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Dinesh Chandimal, Prasanna Jayawardene, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad, Chanaka Welegedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath.
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