Sri Lanka’s miseries don’t seem to be ending any soon as Upul Tharanga has now ruled himself out for selection in the Test format for at least six months as he wants to focus on the ODI format. His name was excluded from the provisional squad for the forthcoming Test series against Pakistan. Tharanga who came back to the squad had become a vital part at the top of the order for the Sri Lankan team.
Tharanga has had a modest time at the crease in Tests as he has only managed to score 430 runs in eight Test matches. On the other he has had a decent time in the One Day format, averaging 47.21. He also leads the Lankan team in the ODI format. Sri Lanka recently lost 3-0 in Tests and 5-0 In ODI’s to India at their own home.
After the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara, the number three position in the Sri Lankan batting was left vacant. Selectors have shown faith in Tharanga since then, and Tharanga has proved his worth at the top of the order. Even though his team hasn’t been able to get the desired results he feels that the fans should be a little patient with this Sri Lankan team.
Sri Lanka lost their chance of direct qualification to the World Cup as they were thrashed 5-0 by the Indians. Their primary aim is to qualify for the World Cup now, and Tharanga wants to concentrate more on the shorter format to get Sri Lanka back in the recognition on the global front.
The outgoing selector Sanath Jayasuriya picked up a provisional squad for the Pakistan series. This squad will now be cut short to 15 by a new chief selector. One prominent name in the squad is Suranga Lakmal. He has been recalled to the team after he was dropped from the team after Champions Trophy.