Sri Lanka names rookie spinner Kaushal for Kiwi Tests

AFP: Sri Lanka’s cricket selectors on Friday named uncapped teenager Tharindu Kaushal in a 15-man squad for a two-Test home series against New Zealand starting next week. The 19-year-old is one of the three specialist spinners in the team along with Rangana Herath and Suraj Randiv for the Tests to be played in Galle (17-21 November) and Colombo (25-29 November).

Off-spinner Kaushal is also part of the Sri Lankan squad for the ongoing five-match one-day series against the tourists, but did not figure in the opening three games.

Opener Tillakaratne Dilshan was ruled out of the last two one-dayers at Hambantota on Saturday and Monday due to a lower back injury and replaced by Chamara Kapugedara, team spokesman Rajith Fernando said.

Dilshan scored an unbeaten 102 in Sri Lanka’s seven-wicket victory in the third match on Tuesday to help his team gain a 2-0 lead. The opening one-dayer was called off without a ball being bowled due to rain.

Test squad: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Angelo Mathews, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Kumar Sangakkara, Thilan Samaraweera, Prasanna Jayawardene, Tharindu Kaushal, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Dinesh Chandimal, Nuwan Kulasekara, Chanaka Welegedara, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad.

Squad for fourth and fifth ODIs: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thisara Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Shaminda Eranga, Upul Tharanga, Rangana Herath, Akila Dananjaya, Tharindu Kaushal.