Lakmal named Lanka vice-captain for B'desh Tests

Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal has been named as the vice-captain of the 16-man Sri Lanka squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, beginning January 31 at the Zohur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.

It should be noted that Lakmal has been rewarded for his good performances as the team's vice-captain in 2017.

Meanwhile, unorthodox off-spinner Akila Dananjaya, who began as T20 bowler, is in line to make his Test debut after being named in the squad.

Dananjaya has received a call on the back of his decent ODI performances against India. He also has a creditable first-class record with 98 wickets at an average of 28.31.

Batsmen Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka have also returned to the squad, while Dhanushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis have also been included for the series against Bangladesh,ESPNcricinfo reported.

Left-arm wrist-spinner Lakshan Sandakan and right-arm seam bowler Lahiru Gamage have also been received nods in the squad, ESPNcricinfo reported.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Dasun Shanaka , left-arm quick Vishwa Fernando and Nuwan Pradeep have all been left out for the two Tests.

The Sri Lanka squad is as follows:

Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Roshen Silva, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal (vice-captain), Dilruwan Perera, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Lahiru Kumara.