Sri Lanka drop Suresh Perera for Sharjah

Sri Lanka have included uncapped right-arm fast-medium bowlers, Charitha Buddhika, from Panadura SC, and Matara born, Prabath Nissanka, in their provisional 16-man squad for the tri-nation series against Pakistan and Zimbabwe later this month.

Suresh Perera and Dinusha Fernando have been dropped from the squad that won the Coca-Cola Cup in August against India and New Zealand. Fernando did not play a game but Perera played throughout.

It's believed that Perera was not considered for selection because the review committee of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has not yet cleared-up doubts over his bowling action.

West Indian umpire Steve Bucknor reported Perera to the ICC for having a suspect action during the first Test against India at Galle in August. He subsequently played in the second Test in Kandy, but failed to shine and was dropped for the final Test.

Nuwan Zoysa had been expected to make a comeback in the tournament, but he is still recovering from a right fractured ankle and the selectors are not willing to take any risks, with such a congested schedule over the coming months.

Nissanka, who now plays for Bloomfield SC, is considered one of the quickest Sri Lankan bowlers on the circuit. He played in the Under 19 World Cup in Sri Lanka last year, but then suffered from tendonitus in his knees. Since returning, however, he has impressed in the nets and in a practice game last Friday.

Sri Lanka play their first match of the Champions trophy tri-nation tournament in Sharjah against Zimbabwe on November 26. Pakistan are the third country participating. The final is scheduled for November 4.

The Sri Lanka squad for Sharjah:

Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu (vice-captain), Avishka Gunawardene, Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold, Kumar Sangakkara, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Chamara Silva, Chaminda Vaas, Dulip Liyanage, Dilhara Fernando, Charitha Buddhika, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Dharmasena, Prabath Nissanka.