SL names Chandimal as Test captain, Tharanga for ODIs, T20I

Colombo [Sri Lanka], July 12 (ANI): Right handed batsman Dinesh Chandimal has been named as the 15th Captain for the Sri Lankan Cricket team in the Tests after Angelo Mathews stepped down following their series defeat against Zimbabwe. Upul Tharanga will don the role of captain for the One Day International and T20 format. 27-year-old Chandimal had served as vice-captain and led the T20 team in the past, while Tharanga led the ODI team in Mathews absence. Delighted over his promotion, Chandimal said, "Firstly, I would like to thank 'Anji' (Mathews). It's not an easy job as a captain in any team so Anji, you have done a great job the last four, five years." "I am really honoured to captain the Test side. Thanks to the SLC and the selectors who are trusting me as Test captain. We have lots of up and downs the last two years but they have really good players, good youngsters and senior players too. I'm going to put my heart and soul in for the future to get us in the right position," cricket.com.cu quoted Chandimal, as saying. Chandimal was dropped for the five-match series against Zimbabwe after a below-par Champions Trophy campaign. He was Sri Lanka's leading run-scorer in ODI cricket last year. On Monday, Mathews admitted that the unexpected home series loss to Zimbabwe was "one of the lowest points" of his career, said that he would discuss his captaincy future with the SLC selectors. "It's one of the lowest points in my career, and a hard one to swallow," Mathews had said. The all-rounder, who took the reins at the age of 25 in 2013, led Sri Lanka in 34 Tests, 98 ODIs and 12 T20Is. The highlight of Mathews' captaincy was the national side whitewashing Australia 3-0 in a Test series last year. Under Mathews, Sri Lanka have won an away Test series against England, and a home Test series against Australia. However, their performance in limited-overs cricket has been dismal since the 2015 World Cup. The Lankan Tigers defeated Ireland and West Indies under Mathews, but lost home series against Pakistan, Australia and now Zimbabwe. (ANI)