Sri Lanka picked up rookie pacer to South Africa

Colombo: Sri Lanka's cricket selectors Thursday named rookie fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya Bandara in a 15-member squad for their three-Test series against South Africa later this month.

The uncapped 24-year-old Bandara is one of four pacemen in the squad led by Angelo Mathews and his deputy Dinseh Chandimal.

Both Mathews and Chandimal missed Sri Lanka's recent tour of Zimbabwe due to injuries, but they have now been declared fit to play in South Africa.

In addition to the three Tests, Sri Lanka will also play five ODI matches and three T20 games against the Proteas.

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka secured the services of legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram to mentor local fast bowlers in preparation for the South African tour.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Angelo Mathews (capt), Dinesh Chandimal (vice capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Vikum Sanjaya Bandara, Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.

Returns: Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Vikum Sanjaya, Nuwan Pradeep, Dushmantha Chameera

Out: Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Gamage, Asela Gunaratne, Kasun Madushanka, Lakshan Sandakan

Scores	Upcoming	Results
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan - 3rd ODI 3rd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan - December 22, 12:00 GMT 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs 2nd ODI - South Africa v Pakistan at Cape Town Pakistan won by 81 runs

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