COLOMBO: Left-arm fast bowler Chanaka Welegedara was recalled after an absence of three years to Sri Lanka’s one-day squad for the Champions Trophy in England next month.
Welegedara, who last played a one-day international in June 2010, has struggled with injury problems.
He was among three players returning to the 15-man squad along with Mahela Jayawardene, who missed the home series against Bangladesh due to a finger injury, and left-arm spinner Rangana Herath who was rested.
“Since he (Welegedara) returned home from Australia with a hamstring injury he has gone through a rehabilitation programme and has been declared fit by the team physio,” said chairman of selectors Sanath Jayasuriya.
“We picked him in the squad to give variety to the bowling. He is an experienced bowler and could be useful in English conditions.” Opener Upul Tharanga and spinner Ajantha Mendis were the notable absentees from the squad.
Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekara, Shaminda Eranga, Sachithra Senanayake, Chanaka Welegedara. REUTERS
