Mendis all set to get Test cap against India

Colombo, Jul 21 (UNI) Unorthodox spinner Ajantha Mendis is set to make his Test debut for Sri Lanka against India on July 23 after he was included in the 14-man squad named for the first match today.

The 23-year-old finger spinner, who has a variety of deliveries in his armoury, is expected to make his Test debut and will partner Muttiah Muralithran, the most successful bowler in Tests.

Earlier this month, Mendis, who bowls a mixture of off-breaks, leg-breaks, googlies and top-spinners, claimed six for 13 against India to help his team win the Asia Cup.

Meanwhile, tearaway fast bowler Lasith Malinga and all-rounder Ferveez Maharoof have been ruled out of the first Test after the selectors decided to allow them more time to recover from their injuries.

The selectors decided to allow Malinga and Maharoof more time to recover from their injuries and waited till the three-day warm up game at NCC finished to name the final 15 as some of the players were given opportunity to prove their fitness and form in that game.

In the opening Test, starting here on Wednesday, Sri Lanka should take the field with just two fast bowlers. In that case either left-armer Thilan Thushara or right-arm seamer Nuwan Kulasekera will share the new ball with Chaminda Vaas.

Fast bowler Dilhara Fernando was also ruled out after suffering a knee pain during a three-day practice game against India over the weekend.

Sri Lanka Squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Malinda Warnapura, Thilan Samaweera, Michael Vandort, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Chamara Kapugedera, Thilan Thushara, Chaminda Vaas, Prasanna Jayawardene, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Nuwan Kulasekera.

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