Upul Tharanga receives Sri Lanka Test recall for South Africa series

04:31 - 12 July 2014

Upul Tharanga is in line to play his first Test in over six years after being recalled for Sri Lanka's two-match series with South Africa.

Tharanga has not registered a Test appearance since December 2007 against England in Galle.

However, the opening batsman has been called up into the 15-man squad for the series versus South Africa as Sri Lanka aim to build on their recent success in England.

The 29-year-old comes in for Dimuth Karunaratne, who failed to pass 50 on the tour of England.

Fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep and Prasanna Jayawardene, who broke a finger in the first Test against England, both miss out due to injury.

There is better news for Suranga Lakmal, with the pace bowler returning to the squad after recovering from a torn hamstring.

Kithuruwan Vithanage has been called up to replace Jayawardene, while spinner Ajantha Mendis is also included.

The first Test begins in Galle on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka squad in full:

Angelo Mathews (capt), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-capt), Upul Tharanga, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Kithuruwan Vithanage, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Ajantha Mendis, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga, Dhammika Prasad, Chanaka Welagedara.