Thisara, Pradeep, Russell, Thomas in for T20

 All eyes on Thisara Perera for the two T20 encounters

T20 series starts in Pallekelle tomorrow

By Shamseer Jaleel in Kandy

Sri Lanka has included experienced Twenty20 players Thisara Perera, Nuwan Pradeep and Shehan Jayasuriya for the two T20 encounters against the West Indies, which will commence at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium on 4 March. 

The second T20 will be played at the same venue on 6 March.

Bhanuka Rajapakse and Oshada Fernando could not find a place in the squad while Dhanushka Gunathilake’s injury concerns continue through the T20 series as well. The West Indies have brought in Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas, Fabian Allen and Shai Hope while Evin Lewis, Khary Pierre, Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd have not booked their place in the shorter format of the game.

Perera earns his place in the squad after being out for one year due to poor performances. He will move into the squad with two more fast bowlers - Angelo Mathews and Dasun Shanaka. Sri Lanka have the luxury of Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Isuru Udana and Lasith Malinga to choose from for the final playing XI when selecting seamers. 

Meanwhile, Wanidu Hasaranga and Lakshan Sandakan will be the spinners, with the all-round capabilities of Shehan Jayasuriya and Dhananjaya de Silva coming in handy for a Sri Lankan outfit which will look to get this T20 series off to a winning start.

This T20 series will also be a good warm-up for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup later this year in Australia where the West Indies will be the defending champions.

Sri Lanka squad: Lasith Malinga (Capt.), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera, Shehan Jayasuriya, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Thisara Perera, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara

West Indies squad: Kieron Pollard (Capt.), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Sheldon Cottrell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Lendl Simmons, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr. and Kesrick Williams