Sri Lanka takes rookie pacer to South Africa

The uncapped 24-year-old Bandara is one of four pacemen in the squad led by Angelo Mathews and his deputy is Dinseh Chandimal.

Published : Dec 08, 2016 18:07 IST , Colombo

Angelo Mathews (right) will lead Sri Lanka, who has recently appointed Wasim Akram as its bowling coach, in the three-match Test series in South Africa.

Angelo Mathews (right) will lead Sri Lanka, who has recently appointed Wasim Akram as its bowling coach, in the three-match Test series in South Africa.

The Sri Lankan selectors picked rookie fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya Bandara in a 15-member squad for its three-Test series against South Africa later this month.

The uncapped 24-year-old Bandara is one of four pacemen in the squad led by Angelo Mathews and his deputy is Dinseh Chandimal. Both Mathews and Chandimal missed Sri Lanka's recent tour of Zimbabwe due to injuries, but they have now been declared fit to play in South Africa.

In addition to the three Tests, Sri Lanka will also play five ODI matches and three T20 games against the Proteas.

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka secured the services of legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram to mentor local fast bowlers in preparation for the South African tour.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Dinesh Chandimal (vice captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Vikum Sanjaya Bandara, Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.