Sri Lankan cricketers begin training

The National cricket squad led by all-rounder Dasun Shanaka already commenced their gym and skill training sessions from last Friday 24th, having completed their mandatory three-day room quarantine they resumed their training focus on forthcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup which scheduled to held UAE from October 17 to November 14.

Before leaving for Oman on October, 3 the Team Management have made arrangements to play three intra-squad games at R. Premadasa Stadium, under lights.

The selection Committee Chairman Promodya Wikramasinghe also will accompany the team for the forthcoming world cup.

Meanwhile, five more cricketers have been added to Sri Lanka’s T20 World Cup squad by national selectors, increasing the total strength of the team from 18 to 23.

Following all-rounder Lahiru Madushanka being ruled out with a fractured collar bone, which he suffered during the third T20I against South Africa the original 19-member squad for the world cup was reduced to 18.

The wicket keeper batsman Kusal Perera, who is struggling to get fit after pulling a hamstring during the same match, has been retained, while five players namely, Lakshan Sandakan, Ramesh Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Minod Bhanuka and Ashen Bandara have also been included to the squad.

The chairman of the selection Committee Promodya Wickramasinghe said before the Oman two match series Sri Lanka squad players are scheduled to play few practice matches (intra squad) in Colombo to get more match practice.

Especially five additional players were not in the Sri Lanka T- 20 squad against South Africa and these practices matches useful to get back more practices for them.

The selectors will have seven games in total, 3 intra-squad games, 2 T20Is vs Oman and 2 official warm-up matches to decide on the possible team for the World Cup.

They have to play qualification matched with three teams Nemebia, Netherland and Ireland.

The two players Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera already with IPL for Royal Challengers Bangalore team are expected to join with National squad after the two Oman games.

In addition Mahela Jayawardena the Mumbai Indian head coach will stay after IPL to join the National team as coaching consultant for the Sri Lankan qualification round matches.