|| CF DESK ||

Sri Lanka announced their squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe, starting on January 6.

Wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis will lead the side as as full-time ODI captain after the resignment of Dasun Shanaka.

SLC has made eight changes from the World Cup squad which features return of Avishka Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Akila Dananjaya.

Aantha Mendis, former spinner and current selector, emphasized the importance of Dananjaya’s recent wicket-taking form and the need for contingency plans in spin-bowling.

“In the last couple of seasons, Akila Dananjaya has been picking up wickets, and we also need a backup plan for the likes of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga,” said Ajantha.

In another development, SLC chief selector Upul Tharanga announced the new captain Dhananjaya de Silva as the captain of the Sri Lanka Test team, replacing Dimuth Karunaratne.

Squad:

Kusal Mendis (captain), Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sahan Arachchige, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dananjaya, Wanindu Hasaranga (subject to fitness)