Muralitharan omitted from ODI squad

Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan was omitted on Thursday from the Sri Lanka squad for a five-match one-day series against South Africa starting this month.

Six players have been called up for the series, including veteran batsman Aravinda de Silva who retired from Test cricket in October.

"We have picked a balanced side," said chairman of selectors Guy de Alwis, currently in South Africa with the Test squad.

"This series will be a good test for the youngsters. We are looking particularly closely at the fast bowlers as we look forward to the Australian series and the World Cup."

Off-spinning all-rounder Thilan Samaraweera has been called in as a replacement for Muralitharan, who is expected to undergo a hernia operation shortly after the second Test against the South Africans which begins at Centurion on Friday.

Hard-hitting left-hander Avishka Gunawardene is recalled as cover for injured skipper Sanath Jayasuriya, who is expected to miss some of the earlier matches after damaging ligaments in his right ankle during training on Tuesday.

One-day specialists Upul Chandana and Pulasthi Gunaratne are both included and the final place goes to 22-year-old fast bowler Prabath Nissanka, who won the last of his four caps in December, 2001.

The new players are due to arrive in South Africa on Monday.

Sri Lankan squad:
Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Russel Arnold, Mahela Jayawardene, Aravinda de Silva, Jehan Mubarak, Avishka Gunawardene, Hasantha Fernando, Upul Chandana, Thilan Samaraweera, Pulasthi Gunaratne, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Chamila Gamage Lakshitha, Prabath Nissanka.

Mail Cricket Editor