Sri Lanka goes back to former practice of appointing vice-captain

Shanaka named as Asalanka's deputy for T20Is

- BY SA'ADI THAWFEEQ

FOR some time Sri Lanka did away with appointing a vice-captain for the national cricket team, and the captain whenever he had to go off the field handed over the responsibility to a senior player.

But for the upcoming tour to Pakistan, Sri Lanka has gone back to the practice of appointing a vice-captain by naming former white ball skipper Dasun Shanaka as deputy to Charith Asalanka for the Pakistan T20I Tri-series that also involves Zimbabwe.

Prior to the T20I Tri-Series which will take place from 17-29 November in Rawalpindi and Lahore, Sri Lanka is due to play a three-match ODI series against Pakistan on 11, 13 and 15 November at Rawalpindi. A squad of 16 players for the ODI series and T20I Tri-Series has been selected and sent to the Sports Minister for ratification.

"We are of the view that with the T20 World Cup around the corner it will be handy for Charith to have a person like Dasun Shanaka as vice-captain when making decisions," said chairman of selectors Upul Tharanga. "It will give Charith some added confidence to have a vice captain. It's not that we want to put any pressure on Charith on his captaincy but to assist him."