SL v. NZ - ODI Series.

[Donny]

Jayawardene appointed vice-captain for one-day series
Charlie Austin - 7 May 2003

After a disappointing performance in the recent Sharjah Cup, Sri Lanka have bolstered their one-day squad by recalling Mahela Jayawardene, Russel Arnold and Romesh Kaluwitharana for the forthcoming triangular series with New Zealand and Pakistan.

Jayawardene, who had a dismal World Cup, scoring just 21 runs in seven innings, has also been appointed vice-captain to Marvan Atapattu, Sri Lanka's new one-day captain after the resignation of Sanath Jaysasuriya. Jayawardene had a brief spell as vice-captain after the 1999 World Cup but was replaced after a sharp drop in his form.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, a middle-order batsman and brilliant fielder, Kaushalya Weereratne, a young swing-bowling allrounder, Prabath Nissanka, the fast bowler who impressed during the recent Test series against New Zealand and the legspinning allrounder Upul Chandana have also been recalled.

The reserve wicket-keeper, Prasanna Jayawardene, the fast bowler Charitha Buddhika, and the batsmen Jehan Mubarak and Avishka Gunawardene have all been dropped. Hashan Tillakaratne, the Sri Lanka Test captain, has retired and Dilhara Fernando, Sri Lanka's fastest bowler, is still struggling with a back injury.

Michael Vandort, a tall left-handed opener, has been put on standby should Atapattu fail to recover from the mild concussion he sustained during a collision with Daniel Vettori during the recent second Test. However, Atapattu is expected to be fit.

Sri Lanka play their first match against Pakistan at the Dambulla Rangiri International Stadium on Saturday.

Sri Lanka Squad

Marvan Atapattu (capt), Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene (vice-captain), Romesh Kaluwitharana, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Upul Chandana, Chaminda Vaas, Dharshana Gamage, Prabath Nissanka, Kaushal Lokuarachchi, Kumar Dharmasena, Muttiah Muralitharan, Kaushalya Weereratne

[Donny]

Vincent named in One-Day International squad to play tri-series
New Zealand Cricket - 8 May 2003

New Zealand Cricket chairman of selectors Sir Richard Hadlee today confirmed the TelstraClear Black Caps 14-man one-day squad to play in the upcoming tri-series between New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

The TelstraClear Black Caps one-day squad, with the exception of Lou Vincent, had already been named before the Test squad departed for Sri Lanka in early April.

Hadlee said Vincent had been included because of the enthusiasm he brings to the side on the field, the batting options he provides and his ability to cover the wicket-keeping position.

"Lou gives us a number of options by being able to bat anywhere in the top six and he can cover wicket-keeper.

"He is also a livewire inside the circle and the other members of the team feed off his energy and enthusiasm.

"However it's fair to say that we had hoped that Richard Jones and Mathew Sinclair might have pushed him harder for a place in the side, but that hasn't happened.

"Although, in fairness to Jones, Scott Styris' shoulder injury meant we had to play another bowler in the Tests and he was therefore denied an opportunity."

Paul Wiseman has also stayed in Sri Lanka to act as cover for Daniel Vettori.

"Paul will stay on until at least the conclusion of the first One-Day International as precautionary cover for Daniel.

"Daniel's ankle injury was not as serious as first thought but we would like to see him get through that first match before we bring Paul home."

The squad is:

Stephen Fleming (captain)
Andre Adams
Shane Bond
Chris Cairns
Chris Harris
Matt Horne
Brendon McCullum
Kyle Mills
Chris Nevin
Jacob Oram
Scott Styris
Daryl Tuffey
Daniel Vettori (Paul Wiseman temporary cover)
Lou Vincent

New Zealand's first match in the tri-series is against Pakistan at Dambulla Rangiri Stadium, Dambulla, this Sunday (May 11).