Jayasuriya tipped for openers slot

Jayasuriya's fine form in England may see him pushed back to the top in the Tests © Getty Images

Sanath Jayasuriya has been named in a 14-man squad for the first Test against South Africa starting in Colombo on Thursday. The national selection committee, headed by Ashantha de Mel, finalised the squad after the three-day tour opener against Sri Lanka A ended in a draw yesterday. With no A team player showing great promise, the selectors sprung no surprises in their decision.

Jayasuriya, 37, has been tipped to retain his opening slot alongside Upul Tharanga following Michael Vandort's failure in the warm-up match. Jayasuriya had been called back from retirement during Sri Lanka's recent tour of England, and batted at No.6 in the third Test. During the one-day series, Jayasuriya hit the England bowlers for 322 runs as he picked up the Man-of-the-Series award. He and Tharanga were also involved in a record 283-run stand that carried Sri Lanka to a 5-0 sweep.

All the fast bowlers who toured England - Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando and Farveez Maharoof - have been retained while Rangana Herath, the left-arm spinner, has also been included. His last Test was against Bangladesh in September 2005. Sajeewa Weerakoon, a slow left-arm bowler, has been placed on standby with reports that Herath is nursing an injury.

The 14-man squad is subject to final ratification by Sri Lanka's sports minister. Meanwhile, South Africa have yet to finalise their team for the Test.

Sri Lanka squad: Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedara, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Malinga Bandara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Michael Vandort, Rangana Herath.