Sri Lanka recall Chandimal and Thirimanne after Tharanga ban
Test captain Dinesh Chandimal and batsman Lahiru Thirimanne have been recalled by Sri Lanka to the ODI squad for final three matches against India following Upal Tharanga's ban. Sri Lankan skipper Tharanga has been banned by ICC for two games for his team's slow over rate in the second match.
Match Referee Andy Pycroft found the hosts three overs short in the second ODI on Thursday (August 24) at Pallekele. The official imposed a two match ban on Tharanga, who suffered the same fate during the ICC Champions Trophy earlier this year as well, where Sri Lanka was at fault during their tournament opener against South Africa.
Reports suggest that Sri Lankan Test captain Chandimal is being anticipated to take Tharanga's place at number four in the batting order while 28-year-old Thirimanne will open the innings for the hosts since Danushka Gunathilaka hurt his shoulder while fielding and is probably going to be unavailable for the next two matches.
Sri Lanka's selectors assembled in Kandy and are likely to announce an interim captain in Tharanga absence. According to sources, middle-order batsman Chamara Kapugedera leads the race as the chief candidate regardless of his average record.
India currently lead the series 2-0 after winning the second ODI by three wickets. The third ODI will take place in Kandy on Sunday.
