Sri Lanka get DilshaCOLOMBO: Tillakaratne Dilshan has returned to bolster Sri Lanka’s batting for the second and final Test against New Zealand starting in Colombo today after recovering from a back injury.
The opener, who missed the first Test in Galle, will replace Dimuth Karunaratne, his skipper Mahela Jayawardene told reporters on the eve of the match.
Karunaratne made his Test debut in Galle and scored an unbeaten half-century in the second innings as the hosts raced to a 10-wicket victory.
“Dilshan is pretty much fit. He batted today and was declared fit to play. Dimuth will make way for Dilshan and Tharanga (Paranavitana) will open with Dilshan,” said Jayawardene.
“With Dilshan coming into the side, we have an additional bowling option as well. We wouldn’t have taken any risks with him, but he is very comfortable and wants to play and get himself back into things.”
Dilshan, who has so far scored 5,028 runs in 81 Tests, is also a part-time spinner.
Sri Lanka owed their victory in Galle to left-arm spinner Rangana Herath, who grabbed 11 wickets for his second haul of 10 or more wickets in a match this year. New Zealand have lost five successive Tests this year, including two each in the West Indies and India. AFPn boost for Kiwi Test
