Sri Lanka's oldest captain banks on youngsters
The first Test between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe begins on October 29 in Harare.
COLOMBO (AFP) - Sri Lanka s oldest ever skipper Rangana Herath Monday said he hoped to build on the recent Test whitewash against Australia despite leading a young and inexperienced team to Zimbabwe.
The 38-year-old spinner became the oldest player named to head an overseas tour as regular captain Angelo Mathews and his deputy Dinesh Chandimal pulled out of the two-Test series with injuries.
"I am pleased to be appointed captain of the national team even at the age of 38," Herath told reporters in Colombo before the team s departure to Harare.
"It is true that we don t have experienced players, but we have a lot of confidence after winning against Australia," the veteran spinner said referring to Sri Lanka s historic series win against the then world number one team in a three-match tournament ending in August.
Herath set up Sri Lanka s success against Australia with a maiden Test hat-trick and ended up man of the series.
"What our young players lack in experience they make up with confidence," Herath said. "The victory against Australia has given us a huge boost. We hope to make a very significant impact in Zimbabwe."
There are three new faces in the squad for Zimbabwe - fast bowlers Kasun Madushanka and Lahiru Kumara and allrounder Asela Gunaratne.
The first Test begins on October 29 in Harare while the second is scheduled from November 6 at the same venue.
Herath becomes the oldest Sri Lankan player to be named skipper of the national team at the start of a Test series.
In 1983, leg-spinner Somachandra de Silva was asked to lead the team when regular skipper Duleep Mendis was injured during a three-day practice match in New Zealand ahead of two Tests. De Silva was 40 at the time.
