Colombo: Angelo Mathews will return as Sri Lanka skipper for the Champions Trophy after missing the ODI series against South Africa, the tour of Australia and the home series against Bangladesh.
Sri Lanka Cricket on Monday announced a 15-member squad led by Mathews, who cut short his tour of South Africa after twisting his ankle in January.
“I am 100 per cent fit now and I also hope to be able to bowl,” said the all-rounder who will turn 30 on June 2, a day after the ODI tournament begins in England.
He said he was “very happy” with the squad chosen for the tournament and hopeful of making a good impression.
“I have got the best squad.” he said. “We can do well with this team. I am very happy. I have a lot of confidence. We have an opportunity to bring an ICC trophy to Sri Lanka.”
Chief selector Sanath Jayasuriya said Lasith Malinga was also being inducted into the squad after nearly two years and was fully fit to play in England.
“All the other players will be able to benefit from Malinga’s experience,” Jayasuriya said. “He has said in writing that he is fully fit to play.”
Meanwhile, fast bowlers Mitchell McClenaghan, Adam Milne and all-rounder Corey Anderson returned to the New Zealand squad for June’s Champions Trophy after proving their fitness during the Indian Premier League, the country’s cricket board said.
McClenaghan and Milne last featured in the 50-over format for New Zealand in early 2016 and missed a majority of last year’s fixtures through injuries.
Anderson has had persistent back problems and missed the Black Caps’ recent one-day international series against Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa. All three players have played for their respective franchises in this year’s IPL.
“It’s been good to see all three back on the park and bowling; together they add a lot of experience to our squad,” New Zealand coach Mike Hesson said in a statement.
“Mitch and Adam have been running in well, and Corey has shown he’ll be capable of providing an option with the ball.
“We believe it’s an exciting squad; an experienced squad, and one that has the batting power and the bowling variations to prevail in a potentially high-scoring tournament.”
New Zealand are in Group A of the Champions Trophy, to be held in England from June 1-18, with Australia, England and Bangladesh the other teams in their group.
