Tharanga to replace Dilshan on Caribbean tour

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – Sri Lankan selectors have called up Upul Tharanga to replace the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan for the Tri-Series, involving West Indies and India, starting in Jamaica on June 28.

 Upul Tharanga
Upul Tharanga

Scans after Thursday’s Champions Trophy semi-final against India showed Dilshan had suffered a calf muscle tear and will be in recovery for up to six weeks.

Tharanga has been out of the national team since earlier this year but played first class cricket where he averaged more than 60 in 14 innings.

Also missing from the touring Sri Lanka team is Thisara Perera who has been replaced by spinner Ajantha mendis.

Sri Lanka play West Indies in the opening match at Sabina Park on June 28, and India on July 2 at the same venue before the series shift to Trinidad.

Squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Kusal Perera, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal (vc), Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Lasith Malinga, Shaminda Eranga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dilhara Lokuhettige, Rangana Herath, Sachithra Senanayake, Ajantha Mendis.