Sport | Cricket

Mahela to lead Lankans

Middle-order batsmen Russel Arnold and Chamara Silva along with paceman Nuwan Kulasekara were named by Sri Lanka as definites for the squad for the World Cup.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 23:36 May 3, 2009
  • Gulf News

Middle-order batsmen Russel Arnold and Chamara Silva along with paceman Nuwan Kulasekara were named by Sri Lanka as definites for the squad for the World Cup in the Caribbean.

Mahela Jayawardene will lead the squad which includes veteran opener Sanath Jayasuriya and spin wizard Muttiah Muralitharan.

"We feel this is the right combination for the World Cup. The team has got a nice blend of youth and experience. We are well prepared and we feel this team can go all the way to win the World Cup," said chairman of selectors Asantha de Mel said soon after the 15-man squad was approved by the sports ministry.

Arnold and Silva took the remaining batting spots and Kulasekara was included as the fifth member of the pace attack led by the seasoned Chaminda Vaas.

"The side has got firepower at the top of the order and there's a solid middle order too," he said. "Add to that we have the kind of bowlers who can contain and bowl sides out," said de Mel.

Since, Jayawardene's men have won 21 of their 41 one-dayers and six out of 11 Tests, a majority of them away from home.

"India actually started our revival.,'' said Jayawardene over a tour of India in 2005 when Sri Lanka were routed 1-6 in the one-dayers. “When we lost those six matches badly, we had a chat and asked ourselves where we wanted to be in one year's time.


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