Arnold to lead Sri Lanka A

Russel Arnold has been named captain of Sri Lanka A for the forthcoming series against West Indies A. He replaces Jehan Mubarak, who had a horrendous series with the bat against the A teams of England and Pakistan.

Lalith Kaluperuma, the chairman of selectors, said the selection committee felt that Mubarak should not be burdened with captaincy and that he should be allowed to concentrate on his batting. "We thought that captaincy was one of the reasons for his failure with the bat and decided to release him of the burden. Mubarak is a talented cricketer who has a future ahead of him as a national player. We want to give him every opportunity to get there." Mubarak averaged just 4.40 in the one-day triangular and 27.85 with one fifty in four unofficial Tests.

Arnold, another left-hander like Mubarak, has led Sri Lanka A quite successfully in the past. "Arnold has done a good job as captain before and he is geared to handle pressure better," said Kaluperuma. The appointment also gives Arnold the opportunity to enhance his chances of regaining his place in the national team.

The A squad played a three-day practice game last week and were also involved in two one-day matches against the national squad as preparation for the upcoming series. The current squad of 29 players will be reduced to 15 by next week.

Kaluperuma said that Nuwan Zoysa, the left-arm fast bowler, will not be considered for selection as he is still recovering from a knee operation. He also indicated that there were fitness concerns surrounding Shantha Kalavitigoda, the opening batsman. "Kalavitigoda injured his shoulder in New Zealand and we are expecting a report on his progress from CJ Clark [the physiotherapist]."

West Indies A are due to arrive on June 16 and will commence the tour with a two-day practice game at Moratuwa before playing two unofficial Tests and five one-day matches. The first Test will start at Dambulla on June 23.