Sri Lanka recall Hasantha Fernando and Wijekoon

Gayan Wijekoon is recalled after a successful time with Sri Lanka A © AFP

Sri Lanka have recalled allrounders Gayan Wijekoon and Hasantha Fernando in the 15-member squad for the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa in September. Mahela Jayawardene will lead a full-strength squad that includes as many as six fast bowlers.

Fernando, the right-arm seamer and lower-order batsman who has played two Tests and seven ODIs, last toured Bangladesh with the senior team in early 2006. Wijekoon, the left-arm seamer and top-order batsman, played the last of his two Tests in July 2005. Another notable inclusion was Kaushal Lokuarachchi, the legspinner, who got the nod ahead of Malinga Bandara and Upul Chandana. Lokuarachchi makes a comeback after being overlooked for the recent home series against Bangladesh.

All those currently playing county cricket in England - Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara, Lasith Malinga and Chaminda Vaas - have been included to boost the squad. It was earlier reported that Muralitharan might be rested, with the tour of Australia up ahead.

Squad Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillekeratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Hasantha Fernando, Gayan Wijekoon, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Jehan Mubarak