Mathews left out of ODI squad for Bangladesh series

Tharanga will lead Sri Lanka in regular captain's absence

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka skipper Angelo Mathews was left out of a 15-member squad for the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh that starts next week.

Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement Saturday that Upul Tharanga will captain the hosts of the ODI tournament starting March 25 at the Dambulla international stadium.

Mathews, who returned home in January halfway through the South African tour after twisting his ankle, was left out from the Test squad. Sri Lanka is leading the ongoing two-match Test series against Bangladesh 1-0.

Sri Lanka's cricket board had earlier hoped that the regular skipper would be able to play in the ODI series.

Sri Lanka squad: Upul Tharanga (capt), Niroshan Dikwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Asela Gunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Dhanushka Gunathilaka, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vikum Sanjaya Bandara, Thisara Perera, Sachitra Pathirana, Seekkuge Prasanna and Lakshan Sandakan.