Sri Lanka call on rookie quick for SA tour

Colombo - Sri Lanka's cricket selectors on Thursday named rookie fast bowler Vikum Sanjaya Bandara in a 15-member squad for their three-Test series against South Africa later this month.

The uncapped 24-year-old Bandara is one of four pacemen in the squad led by Angelo Mathews and his deputy Dinseh Chandimal.

Both Mathews and Chandimal missed Sri Lanka's recent tour of Zimbabwe due to injuries, but they have now been declared fit to play in South Africa.

In addition to the three Tests, Sri Lanka will also play five ODI matches and three T20 games against the Proteas.

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka secured the services of legendary Pakistani paceman Wasim Akram to mentor local fast bowlers in preparation for the South African tour.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Dinesh Chandimal (vice-captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Upul Tharanga, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Vikum Sanjaya Bandara, Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.