Vandort to open in first Test

Michael Vandort, the Sri Lankan opener, will replace the injured Upul Tharanga for the first Test against Bangladesh which begins on June 25.

"The selectors have called up Vandort to take Tharanga's place for the first Test," Samantha Algama, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) spokesman told AFP. "Tharanga's progress will be monitored closely to see when he will be fit to play." Tharanga suffered a hairline fracture in his right toe after being hit by a ball from Lasith Malinga during practice on Thursday.

Vandort, who averages 51.22 in six Tests, would open the batting with debutant Malinda Warnapura after Sanath Jayasuriya was rested and Marvan Atapattu opted out due to personal reasons. Vandort, who played his last Test in England in 2006, made 38 in the three-day tour match against the Bangladeshis which ended in a draw in Colombo.