Ruchira Perera called up for training camp

Sri Lanka have recalled Ruchira Perera, a left-arm fast bowler who has bounced back after suspicions over his bowling action, in an 18-man training squad for their postponed tour to New Zealand. The final 14-man squad is expected to be named next week for the tour that starts on March 26.

Nuwan Zoysa's knee problems, coupled with his fine form in the recent provincial tournament, persuaded the seven-man selection panel to give Perera, now 27, another chance after a difficult two years since his last Test against South Africa in November 2002.

Earlier that year his bowling action had been branded suspect during a tour to England, forcing him to take remedial action. Although he was given the all-clear again after an adjustment to his wrist position, his confidence leaked away and, prior to this year's provincial tournament, had almost given up hope of another international opportunity.

But he caught the eye in the final of the tournament, capturing 9 for 127 and taking a hat-trick. "Ruchira's chances of getting selected are very good," revealed Ashantha de Mel, Sri Lanka's selection chairman. "He has been bowling very well in the provincial tournament as well as in the nets."

de Mel's committee are keen for Sri Lanka to play a balanced playing XI: "We will be looking at the composition of the team and try to bring about a balance for the two Tests with six batsmen, one allrounder and four bowlers," said De Mel. "Seven batsmen is not the right way to go and we need more bowling options."

The identity of the allrounder remains unclear, although de Mel's comments suggest that Gayan Wijekoon, an opening batsman for Tamil Union and a left-arm medium-pacer who has a happy knack of making breakthroughs, could be in the frame. But Upul Chandana, who has been in good form, is more likely to play as a legspinning allrounder.

The No. 7 position has become vacant after Romesh Kaluwitharana's retirement last year. Kumar Sangakkara will take over wicketkeeper duties once more and will bat at No. 3, his preferred position within the team.

The squad included three batsmen from the A-team series against England: Ian Daniel, Avishka Gunawardene and Thilina Kandamby. If Sri Lanka are set to play an allrounder rather than an extra batsman, the three will compete for one available spot in the squad.

Notable absentees from the squad included Hashan Tillakaratne, whose case was being pushed hard behind the scenes, and Russel Arnold, who travelled to New Zealand in December with the one-day team but had a low-scoring provincial tournament.

Sri Lanka pool Marvan Atapattu (Capt), Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara, Ian Daniel, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Avishka Gunawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Farveez Maharoof, Upul Chandana, Thilina Kandamby, Rangana Herath, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Gayan Wijekoon, Ruchira Perera.