Samaraweera recalled to ODI squad

Thilan Samaraweera has been recalled to the Sri Lankan one-day international side after a four-year absence, but there was no space for Chaminda Vaas for the upcoming series against Pakistan. The legspinner Malinga Bandara has also been included in a 15-man squad that includes Lasith Malinga and Muttiah Muralitharan, passed fit after missing the Tests against Pakistan.

Samaraweera, 32, played his last ODI in 2005 but targetted a return to the limited-overs frame during an excellent run of form in Tests earlier this year. Vaas had announced his retirement from Test cricket before the final match against Pakistan, citing his desire to continue until the 2011 World Cup, but his non-selection leaves a question mark over his future. Vaas managed just one wicket in the SSC Test and was dropped last year from Sri Lanka's Twenty20 squad.

The opener Upul Tharanga takes up a top-order batting slot with Tillakaratne Dilshan, who sustained injuries to the finger and head in the third Test in Colombo, ruled out. Chamara Kapugedera has been included after being overlooked for the ICC World Twenty20.

Sri Lanka's bowling is in sound health. While the focus has been on the return of Murali and Malinga their seamers, especially Nuwan Kulasekara and Thilan Thushara, have performed consistently. Bandara makes a return to the ODI side having played his last game in 2007.

The series begins in Dambulla on July 30.

Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (capt/wk), Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedera, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Thilina Kandamby, Malinga Bandara, Thilan Thushara Isuru Udana, Upul Tharanga.