Jayasuriya, Mendis Dropped for Asia Cup Squad

Colombo: Sri Lanka on Wednesday dropped veteran Sanath Jayasuriya and mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis from their 15-member squad for the Asia Cup cricket tournament starting here from June 15.

Regular skipper Kumar Sangakkara and off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who were rested for the tri-nation series in Zimbabwe, returned to the squad for the tournament, which also features India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Former skipper Mahela Jayawardene and pace spearhead Lasith Malinga were also back in the side after being rested.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who captained Sri Lanka to the series win in Zimbabwe, and opener Upul Tharanga, who shone with the bat in the event after being ignored for the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies, were retained in the squad.

Besides all-rounder Anjelo Mathews, Thilan Samaraweera, Farvez Maharoof, Chamara Kapugedara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Chanaka Welagedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath and Thilina Kandamby also kept their places in the squad.

However, middle-order batsman Chamara Silva and fast bowler Dilhara Fernando, who were selected for the tri-series in Zimbabwe, failed to retain their place.

Similarly all-rounder Jeevan Mendis, who had his debut in Zimbabwe, was also left out from the Asia Cup squad.

Squad Kumar Sangakkara (C), Muttiah Muralidharan (VC), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Mahela Jayawardana, Lasith Malinga, Anjelo Mathews, Thilan Samaraweera, Farvez Maharoof, Chamara Kapugedara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Chanaka Welagedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Thilina Kandamby.