Chamara Silva called up as injury cover

Wednesday, 23 November 2011 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Chamara Silva, a middle-order batsman, has joined Sri Lanka’s squad in the UAE as back up for Mahela Jayawardene, who has an injured knee.

Jayawardene has returned to Sri Lanka and will miss the fifth ODI and the Twenty20 international against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. “After Sunday’s game Mahela’s injury got worse, so he has returned home,” Sri Lanka’s team manager Anura Tennekoon said. “Chamara Silva was brought in as cover.”

Tennekoon said Tillakaratne Dilshan had recovered after hurting his left thumb. “Dilshan is okay and will play in the fifth one-dayer.”

Sri Lanka Cricket also announced that fast bowlers Nuwan Kulasekera, Dhammika Prasad and Shaminda Eranga, as well as wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene, will not be considered for the Test series in South Africa because of injuries. Sri Lanka lost the five-ODI series against Pakistan after a third defeat in Sharjah on November 20.

The final one-dayer is on November 23, followed by the T20 two days later. Sri Lanka’s tour of South Africa begins with a tour match on December 9, followed by the first Test on December 15.