Atapattu returns for one-day series

COLOMBO, Aug 5 (Reuters) Former Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu has been named in a 15-man squad for the one-day triangular series also involving South Africa and India.

Atapattu, 35, returns after a five-month absence having recovered from an acute disc problem in his lower back that required surgery in May.

Atapattu has been a cornerstone of the top order for a decade, scoring 5,330 runs in 88 tests and 8,233 runs in 253 one-day internationals.

The selectors have decided to retain Mahela Jayawardene as captain until Atapattu has proved his fitness under match conditions.

''We don't want to make any changes to the captaincy at this stage not knowing how fit Atapattu will be,'' a selector told Reuters.

''But we want him to be part of the system and training the squad as we build the team for the World Cup. He is short of match practice and we'd like to have him fit and playing as early as possible.'' Kumar Sangakkara will remain vice captain.

Atapattu has been earmarked for a new middle order role at number five following the successes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga and Jayawardene as the top three in England.

DO NOT DISTURB ''We do not want to disturb the opening combination of Jayasuriya and Tharanga because they have been successful in the Power Plays,'' the selector added.

Middle order batsmen Russel Arnold and Jehan Mubarak, as well as leg spinning all rounder Kaushal Lokuarachchi, a replacement for Muttiah Muralitharan during the recent England series, have been dropped.

Sri Lanka have also included specialist wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene, though Sangakkara is expected to continue wicket-keeping duties in one-day internationals.

The tri-series will be played from Aug. 14-29 with all the matches taking place in Colombo.

Sri Lanka squad: Mahela Jayawardene (Capt), Marvan Atapattu, Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Chamara Kapugedera, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando, Malinga Bandara, Ruchira Perera, Prasanna Jayawardene (wk) REUTERS PM VV1432