Lokuarachchi earns recall

Lokuarachchi comes in from the cold © Getty Images

Kaushal Lokuarachchi, the allrounder who bowls legspin, and Rangana Herath, the left-arm spinner, have been called up as replacements for Muttiah Muralitharan for Sri Lanka's forthcoming five-match one-day series against South Africa. The addition of the two spinners expands the squad to 15.

Sri Lanka's selectors will decide on Muralitharan's replacement for their 14-man Champions Trophy squad after they receive a full medical report from his surgeon, Dr David Young. That is expected by the end of the week.

Lokuarachchi, although just 22, has enjoyed a rollercoaster career since starring in the Under-19 World Cup in 2000. Having broken into the national squad in early 2003, he was then suspended after his involvement in a fatal late-night car accident.

He reclaimed his place in the squad against Australia earlier this the year, before being dumped again, and was overlooked during the Asia Cup. But after a fine tour of England with the Sri Lanka A team, the selectors have given him another chance.

Herath, who made his one-day debut earlier in the year against Zimbabwe, has slowly cemented his place in the Test squad and is the likeliest selection for the Champions Trophy.

"Obviously the loss of Murali leaves us with big shoes to fill, but we drew a Test without him in Australia and we won against South Africa without him," said John Dyson, the coach, in conversation with reporters. "The guys are starting to feel that they can perform without him and this is a great opportunity to prove that."

Sri Lanka take on South Africa under lights at Premadasa International Stadium on Friday.

Sri Lankan squad: Marvan Atapattu (capt), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Saman Jayantha, Avishka Gunawardene, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Zoysa, Dilhara Fernando, Rangana Herath, Kaushal Lokuarachchi.