New skipper to help pick squad once he returns from IPL duty
Tillakaratne Dilshan has been confirmed as Sri Lanka's new captain for their upcoming tour of England.
The 34-year-old will take over the role in all three formats of the game after Kumar Sangakkara stepped down after the World Cup final defeat to India.
Dilshan has led his country before, triumphing in a one-day tri-series involving India and Zimbabwe, but has never been in charge for a Test match.
The announcement of a vice-captain will be made at a later date due to leading candidates currently suffering with injuries.
Mathews tipped
All-rounder Angelo Mathews has been tipped for the role, but he is nursing a side strain suffered during the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
"We are proud to announce the appointment of Dilshan as the national captain in all three formats of the game for the tour of England," Sri Lanka Cricket said in a statement.
"The national selectors have postponed the appointment of a vice-captain since the prospective candidates are nursing injuries and their availability for the forthcoming tour is still in question."
Sri Lanka will play three Tests, with the first of them getting underway on May 26, five one-dayers and one Twenty20 international on their trip to England.
The squad will be selected at the start of May once Dilshan returns from playing in the Indian Premier League for the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
