Sri Lanka add uncapped Udana to T20 World Cup squad

Sri Lanka [ Images ] have called up uncapped all-rounder Isuru Udana to their 15-man squad for the Twenty20 [ Images ] World Cup in England [ Images ] next month.

The squad, announced in Colombo on Monday, also included 35-year-old middle order batsman Indika de Saram, who last played for Sri Lanka in 2001.

Left-armer Udana grabbed his place after an outstanding performance in a recent provincial Twenty20 tournament while de Saram is a consistent performer in the format, averaging 37.30 in his domestic career.

The World Cup will be the first major tournament for Sri Lanka since the team were attacked in Lahore [ Images ] in March ahead of a test match against Pakistan.

Kumar Sangakkara [ Images ] will captain the side for the first time following the resignation of Mahela Jayawardene [ Images ], while Muttiah Muralitharan [ Images ] will act as vice captain.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga [ Images ] returns for his first major international tournament since the World Cup in 2007 following his recovery from a long-term knee injury, but there was no room in the squad for left-armer Chaminda Vaas [ Images ] or regular quick bowler Dilhara Fernando.

The other notable absentee is batsman Chamara Kapugedera [ Images ], who lost his place in the team and a national team contract after a low-scoring year.

Promising all rounder Angelo Mathews, currently playing for Kolkata Knight Riders [ Images ] in the Indian Premier League [ Images ], was also selected.

The Sri Lanka team is due to leave for England on May 28.

Squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya [ Images ], T.M. Dilshan, Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis [ Images ], Nuwan Kulasekara [ Images ] , Thilan Thushara, Lasith Malinga, Isuru Udana, Farveez Maharoof, Jehan Mubarak, Indika de Saram