Mendis to replace Murali for second test against India, Mahela Vice Captain

Sri Lanka Cricket has selected mystery spinner Ajantha Mendis to replace Muttiah Muralitharan who retired from Test Cricket last Thursday for the second Test against India.


Selectors have appointed Mahela Jayawardena to the Vice Captaincy position left vacant by Muralitharan.
Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep Fernando have been included in the 16 man squad named to take on India in the 2nd Test match scheduled to begin at SSC Grounds in Colombo on Monday (26).
Nuwan Pradeep is drafted in as cover for injured Lasith Malinga who will be rested due to a "stiff knee" according to the team physiotherapist.
The chairman of selectors Aravinda de Silva said Malinga's condition will be monitored closely. He expressed hope that Malinga would be fit enough for the third Test to be held at Saravanamuththu Stadium in Colombo on August 3.
Sri Lanka will be at a disadvantage on Monday with both Muralitharan and Malinga missing. Together the pair took 15 wickets out of the total 20 at the first Test.
Sri Lanka's ace spinner Muralitharan set a record of taking 800 Test wickets on the final ball on the final day of his Test career.
Squad for the second Test: Kumar Sangakkara (Captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene (Vice Captain), Thilan Samaraweera, Anjelo Mathews, Thilina Kandamby, Prasanna Jayawardene, Ajantha Mendis, Chanaka Welagedara, Suraj Randiv, Rangana Herath, Dammika Prasad, Dilhara Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Nuwan Pradeep.