The Sri Lankan selectors have picked a 27-man squad for the forthcoming Pakistan A tour of Sri Lanka, which was to commence on the 9th May, but has now been delayed until the end of May.

The squad includes a number of players, who have played for the senior side, including Dilhara Fernando, Akalaka Ganegama, Thilan Samaraweera, Avishka Gunawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Lanka de Silva, Prasanna Jayawardene, Indika Gallage, Rangana Herath, Malinga Bandara and Suresh Perera, who has finally recovered from injury and is being keenly watched by the Sri Lankan management as they look for an all rounder for the 2003 World Cup.

There is, however, no space in the squad for left arm spinner Dinuk Hettiarachchi, who impressed in the final Test Match against England, and Niroshan Banadaratillake, who looked to have bowled his way back into international contention just a few weeks ago. Their places have been taken by Sajeewa Weerakoon, a left arm spinner who has taken 66 first-class wickets for BRC this season, and Sajeeka Abeynayake, who plays for Bloomfield. Malintha Warnapura, an off spinning all rounder, who played for Sri Lanka in the Commonwealth Games comes back into contention.

The pace bowling looks strong with the likes of Dilhara Fernando, Akalanka Ganegama, Indika Gallage, Suresh Perera, being joined with Dinusha Fernando and Sujeewa de Silva.

The batting includes a number of exciting uncapped young players: Sukith Peiris, who impressed on the recent Under 19 tour of Australia, the free flowing Jevantha Kalatunga, Michael Vandort, Jehan Mubarak, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, who impressed against England, and Ian Daniel.

The squad is currently training under the guidance of A-team coach, Hemantha Devapriya, and Under 19 coach, Owen Mattau.

Full Squad:

Avishka Gunawardene, Jehan Mubarak, Sukith Peiris, Chamara Silva, Lanka de Silva, Malintha Warnapura, Thilan Samaraweera, Rangana Herath, Kaushalya Loukuarachchi, Sujeewa de Silva, Indika Gallage, Gayan Wijekoon, Dinusha Fernando, Michael Van Dort, Shantha Kalavitgoda, Ian Daniel, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upeka Fernando, Jevantha Kulatunga, Muthumudalige Pushpakumara, Suresh Perera, Sajeewa Weerakoon, Malinga Bandara, Akalanka Ganegama, Dilhara Fernando, Prasanna Jayawardene, Sajeka Abeynayake.

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