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Sanath Jayasuriya looks set to make his Test comeback for Sri Lanka against England at Trent Bridge here on Friday just a month after retiring.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene told a press conference on the eve of the third and final Test that Jayasuriya had a very good chance of playing.

Jayasuriya, aged 36 and a veteran of 102 Tests, retired from Test cricket in April to concentrate on one-dayers. He was added to the current test squad, however, after pressure from the chairman of selectors Asantha de Mel, even though the team management were committed to selecting younger players.

“If we have Sanath it gives us more depth and experience, as well as another bowling option,” Jayawardene said. “I had a word with him and he is quite happy and looking forward to the challenge. It’s asking a lot of him and we didn’t want to force him.

“Knowing Sanath and what he’s capable of, I think he can do a good job for us.”

Sri Lanka have axed batsman Tilan Samaraweera, who is averaging less than five for the series, and fast bowler Nuwan Kulasekara from the side which lost by six wickets at Edgbaston.

Fast bowler Nuwan Zoysa, as well as Jayasuriya, join a 12-man squad.

Jayawardene said Jayasuriya was likely to bat at around six and added that he had not been forced on to the team. “We want to continue with the policy of giving young players a chance,” he said.

Jayasuriya, an explosive left-hander and a former Test captain, averages 41.59 in Tests. He has also taken 92 wickets with his left-arm spin.

Source:The News

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