Filed under SL in Pak Jan-Feb 2009

Srilanka don't use their regular wicket keeper, and vice-captain, Kumar Sangakkara behind the wicket in test matches.. instead, Prasanna Jayawardene commands the responsibility of keeping wickets when Sangakkara plays purely as a batsman.

Srilankan squad for test series in Pakistan, February-March 2009, also has Chaminda Vaas coming back to international cricket after the left arm seamer refuses to retire. In fact, Chaminda Vaas will be a fresh breath of air for Lankans who recently lost home ODI series to Indians and also the concluding Twenty20 International.

Two new faces, Opener Tharanga Paranavitna and Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal made the cut after good performance in Srilankan domestic season. Tharanga Paranavitna made good impression in Srilanka A side tour of South Africa with his steady but solid batsmanship.

Srilanka have retained Chamara Kapugedara who has promised several times but failed most of them, whereas Malinda Warnapura - the left handed opening batsman comes back to challenge for opening slot. Warnapura played well in the test series against Indians around a year ago and he'll be hoping for similar success against Pakistan in Pakistan where wickets are pretty flat and not many genuine fast bowlers are coming from home team these days!

Muthiah Muralitharan & Ajantha Mendis will be taking spin responsibility with Thilan Samarweera, who generally plays as middle order batsman, but can also bowl some useful off-spin bowling along with Tillakaratane Dilshan.. no place for Sanath Jayasuriya in Srilankan test squad though.

Sri Lanka Squad for Pakistan tour, 2009 : Mahela Jayawardene (captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitna, Thilan Samaraweena, Tillakaratane Dilshan, Prasanna Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Muthiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Chamara Kapugedara, Farveez Maharoof, Dilhara Fernando, Thilan Thushara and Suranga Lakmal.

ODI Squad : Srilanka pack up experience for Pakistan.

ODI Squad : Pakistan throw opportunites for future stars

Srilanka vs Pakistan cricket series : January-February 2009 : all info

Tickets : Sri Lanka in Pakistan : ODI & Test Match Series 2009

1st ODI : Rao Iftikhar Anjum & Umar Gul bowl Pakistan to victory

2nd ODI : Srilanka ride on Tillakarane Dilshan's form to level series

Test Squad : Srilanka recall veteran Vaas for Tests in Pakistan.

Test Squad : Younis Khan to captain Pakistan (again).

1st Test : Srilanka survive scare : Pakistan pick points : Match Draw