15.7.2008

Former cricket captain Hashan Tillakaratne has been appointed Sri Lanka's national cricket team manager for the upcoming test and limited-overs home series against India.

The 41-year-old Tillakaratne played in 83 tests and scored 4,545 runs. In 200 one-day internationals Tillakaratne compiled 3,789 runs.

He was a regular national player for 15 years from 1989 and led the team in 10 test matches from 2003.

Meanwhile the Indian cricket team led by Anil Kumble arrived here Tuesday to play a three-Test and five-match one-day series against Sri Lanka from July 23.

The Indians will open their tour with a three-day practice match against the Sri Lanka Board XI from Friday at the NCC sports club ground.

The first Test will be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) international stadium here from July 23.

The Test series will be followed by a five-match oneday international (ODI) series starting Aug 18 at the Dambulla international stadium.

India has won only one of the four Test series they have played in Sri Lanka since 1985. Their previous tour in 2001 ended in a 2-1 defeat.