Jayasuriya makes comeback to limited-overs squad

Hard-hitting opener returns after more than a year in wilderness.

COLOMBO:

Sri Lanka have recalled veteran left-hander Sanath Jayasuriya for the upcoming limited-overs series against England, Ireland and Scotland, after he spent more than a year in wilderness.

Jayasuriya, known for his hard-hitting batting and useful left-arm spin turns 42 at the end of this month, and is the oldest player currently in international cricket. Now a ruling party legislator in his country, he last played a One-Day International (ODI) against India in December 2009. He quit the Test arena in 2007, but continued to play in the shorter versions of the game.

The swashbuckling opener has played 444 ODIs, scoring 13,428 runs at an average over 32 and has claimed 322 wickets.

He is likely to open the innings, in place of regular opener Upul Tharanga, who was dropped after failing a random doping test.

Jayasuriya’s inclusion was not entirely a surprise as there were reports earlier this week that suggested that he was eyeing, and possibly knew about a comeback.

“I’m thrilled that selectors had faith in my fitness,” said the left-hander. “I’m still fit enough to play international cricket, though I haven’t played much ODIs for the past several months.

“Age is never an issue. I will be 42. So long as fitness and form is maintained, player burn-out is managed properly, there is scope for seniors like myself to represent the country.”

Selectors have also included all-rounder Jeewan Mendis and wicket-keeper-batsman Dinesh Chandimal in the squad. All-rounder Angelo Matthews, who is recovering from a quadriceps muscle injury, was included subject to passing a fitness test. In addition, fast-bowler Lasith Malinga, who quit Test cricket last month, has also been included.

Sri Lanka, currently playing a Test series in England, are scheduled to play a Twenty20 match on June 25 followed by a five-match ODI series starting from June 28. The tour will end with two ODIs against Ireland and Scotland.



Published in The Express Tribune, June 10th, 2011.