Chandana left out of Kiwi tour

by Elmo Rodrigopulle

Sri Lanka's top allrounder Upul Chandana is the only surprise omission in the squad of 16 nominated by the national cricket selectors for the tour of New Zealand beginning on December 31.

Sri Lanka will play four one-day internationals against New Zealand before moving on to Australia for a triangular series which also includes South Africa and Australia.

The selectors have however done well to recall the often neglected Russel Arnold who was surprisingly left out of the tour of India for the three-Test series which Sri Lanka lost badly to India. After the four match tour of New Zealand and depending on the form shown by the players there could be changes in the squad to Australia beginning from January 10, 2006.

Sri Lanka's batting sensation Sanath Jayasuriya who was also kept out of the tour of India has been named subject to fitness. Jayasuriya however proved that he is back at his best by scoring heavily in the Premier local one-day tournament played recently.

Left arm fast bowler Ruchira Perera has also earned a recall again subject to fitness like Jayasuriya.

It is admirable that the selectors have kept faith in Chaminda Vaas as vice captain,because he richly deserves it.

There are some players who could consider themselves lucky to be nominated in the squad of 16 after their failures in India.

Sri Lanka squad:

Marvan Atapattu (captain), Chaminda Vaas (vice captain), Sanath Jayasuriya (subject to fitness), Mahela Jayawardena, Kumar Sangakkara, Tilakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Avishka Gunawardena, Upul Tharanga, Jehan Mubarak, Dilhara Fernando, Fervez Maharoof, Ruchira Perera (subject to fitness), Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralitheran, Malinga Bandara.