Mendis’ last ODI for Sri Lanka came against England in December 2014
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Sri Lanka spinner Ajantha Mendis is on track of make his ODI return after he was included in the squad for the upcoming series against the West Indies.
Mendis, whose last ODI came in December 2014, was not selected for the 2015 World Cup and has been unavailable since then due to an injury.
Apart from Mendis, pace bowler Nuwan Kulasekara has also returned to the ODI squad after missing out on the series against Pakistan in July. Kulasekara did represent Sri Lanka in the World Cup, but failed to have a major impact as he claimed four wickets at an average of 27.75 in three matches.
Sri Lanka have also opted to include three uncapped players – Shehan Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay and Danushka Gunathilaka in the side.
However, there was no place for opening batsman Upul Tharanga and all-rounder Thisara Perera as they failed to impress during the series against Pakistan. Sachith Pathirana, Seekkuge Prasanna, Nuwan Pradeep and Ashan Priyanjan were also dropped.
Sri Lanka’s ODI series against the West Indies will consist of three matches and start on November 1 in Colombo.
Sri Lanka ODI squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Milinda Siriwardana, Shehan Jayasuriya, Sachithra Senanayake, Jeffrey Vandersay, Ajantha Mendis, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Danushka Gunathileka