ICC World Cup 2019: Sri Lankan selectors keep vice captaincy options open

Mumbai: Sri Lanka's new ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne is "happy and comfortable" with the team selection, according to the chief selector Ashantha de Mel.

"He took part in the selection committee meeting and was apparently very happy with the deliberations we had...", without revealing captain's inputs he gave at the meeting, de Mel said.  

However, according to the sources, Jeffrey Vandersay was captain's choice and the selectors agreed to keep Wanindu Hasaranga, who was their first choice as a leg break bowler, in the standbys list.

The selectors have not announced the vice captain. "It has been kept open and will be announced later", the chairman added.

Dinesh Chandimal, who had been captain till last October has been left out. "There was no place for him in the team. He was not there on South Africa tour also. Mostly he will be considered for Test matches".

"Being a senior player his omission was explained to him when he was dropped against South Africa and we have no plan to speak to him again on this".

Malinga's inclusion is interesting. Despite his WhatsApp messages from India (he is playing the IPL) to his group players hinting retirement, he is in the team.

"He has not officially informed about his plan to retire. I did have discussions with him. If he pulls out, his place will be taken by another right-arm fast bowler Kasun Rajitha and a new player will be named in the standby list", the selector added.