Sri Lanka axes icons Jayasuriya, Muralidaran

Colombo, Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka has dropped iconic stars Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralidaran from its squad for the three-match ODI series in the West Indies next month, the sport's governing body said Wednesday.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga also does not feature in a new-look 15-member squad.

Jayasuriya, a 38-year-old veteran of 411 limited overs matches scored just 103 runs in seven matches in the recent Commonwealth Bank Triangular Series in Australia. Jayasuriya retired from Test cricket in December to concentrate on his limited-overs game.

Sri Lanka's poor showing in the Australian tournament saw it finish last behind champion India and the hosts.

Ace offspinner Muralidaran was expensive in the series despite taking 11 wickets in eight matches.

Uncapped left-handed batsman Mahela Udawatte is likely to open the batting with Upul Tharanga.

The also selectors have called in talented 22-year-old spinner Ajantha Mendis from Sri Lanka Army who has impressed with 37 wickets in 19 domestic matches.

Allrounder Kaushalya Weeraratne has earned a spot in the national squad after nearly five years.

The three-match limited series begins in Trinidad on April 10.

The squad: Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Silva, Mahela Udawatte, Jehan Mubarak, Chamara Kapugedera, Chaminda Vaas, Kaushalya Weeraratne, Malinga Bandara, Nuwan Kulasekara, Ishara Amerasinghe, Ajantha Mendis and Thilan Thushara.