Sri Lanka have invested in pace ahead of their tour to South Africa, with six fast bowlers named in a 16-man squad for the Test series that begins on November 8. However, the selectors have completely overhauled the Sri Lankan attack since that disappointing tour to England in the summer. Chaminda Vaas and Dilhara Fernando retain their places, but Charitha Buddika, Nuwan Zoysa, Ishara Amarasinghe and Eric Upashantha have all been omitted, along with Ruchira Perera, whose tour was blighted by a suspect bowling action. Muttiah Muralitharan is selected as the solitary spinner, which means no place for Thilan Samaraweera. His allrounder's slot goes to the uncapped Hasantha Fernando.

Instead, the emphasis is on youth, with two uncapped 20-year-old fast bowlers, Thilan Thushara Mirando and Tharanga Lakshitha, joining Sujeewa de Silva and Chamila Lakshitha Gamage, both of whom impressed against Bangladesh in July. Mirando, a left-armer from Balapitiya, is considered one of the quickest bowlers in Sri Lanka today, and he and Lakshitha are currently touring Pakistan with the Sri Lanka 'A' team.

The batting line-up is more settled, although the retirement of Aravinda de Silva has created a vacancy in the middle-order. His place has gone to Jehan Mubarak, 21, who opened the batting against Bangladesh in July.

Hashan Tillekeratne and the reserve wicketkeeper, Prasanna Jayawardene both retain their places, but there is no place for Tillekeratne Dilshan.

Full squad
Sanath Jayasuriya (capt), Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Russell Arnold, Hashan Tillekeratne, Jehan Mubarak, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Sujeewa de Silva, Chamila Gamage, Thilina Thushara, Tharanga Lakshitha, Muttiah Muralitharan, Prasanna Jayawardene

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd