Bipin Dani
Sri Lanka’s new selection committee (chairman Ashantha de Mel, Chaminda Mendis and Vinothen John) have included Dinesh Chandimal in the squad of 22-probables for the forthcoming Test series against New Zealand, it is learnt here.
The three member selection committee, along with captain Dimuth Karunaratne discussed the composition of the squad on Monday, and submitted the list to the SLC, to be sent to the Hon. minister Harin Fernando for his approval.
The 30-year-old Chandimal played (and captained) last Test against Australia (at Canberra in February this year) and was dropped for the South Africa tour.
Interestingly, former captain Dinesh Chandimal is now playing for Montreal Tigers in Global T-20 in Canada.
“His (Chandimal) presence in the 3-day practice game (beginning on Thursday at Katunayake) is not necessary but all selected (and subject to minister approval) players will be required to be assembled on August 10”, a source close to the SLC said.
The first Test commences at Galle on 14th August. “Out top management will communicate with Chandimal and it is assumed that he may be asked to return for national duty”, the source further added.
In the meantime, SLC president Shammi Silva, vice president Ravin Wickramaratne and the CEO Ashely de Silva met all all the coaching staff (academy, high performance, junior and women’s) and discussed about the development of the game in the country.
