Mendis, Sanath omitted from Asia Cup squad

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka’s new cricket selection panel left veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and spinner Ajantha Mendis out of the 15-man squad for next week’s Asia Cup.

There was a return for all-rounder Farveez Maharoof and  spinner Rangana Herath who returns after playing his last limited-overs game in 2004.

Jayasuriya, at 40 the world’s oldest player in the international arena, scored an average 3.75 runs in six matches during the Caribbean World Twenty20. He was rested for the tri-nation Zimbabwe tour and was left out of the national squad for the tri-series in Bangladesh earlier this year.

Bangladesh recall Ashraful

Bangladesh have recalled middle-order batsman Mohammad Ashraful. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) chief selector Rafiqul Alam said the 25-year-old, who was dropped for the home one-day series against England in March, was back in form.

“He batted well in the World Twenty20 and made a fine half century against Pakistan. He also looked in good touch in the practice matches in England,” said Alam.

Jahurul Islam, who played in the recent Test series in England, finds a place in the one-day squad, while Syed Rasel was back after an absence of six months. “Jahurul was the highest scorer in the local league this year. We’re confident he’ll play well.”

Published in the Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2010.