Morecambe professional Randiv called up to face England

Morecambe's title-winning professional Suraj Randiv has been recalled by Sri Lanka to face England.
Suraj Randiv in action for Morecambe.Suraj Randiv in action for Morecambe.
Suraj Randiv in action for Morecambe.

The off spinner last represented his country in 2014 but is back in the one-day squad that will play two games in Ireland before a five-game 50-over series against England.

Randiv was instrumental as Morecambe won the Northern Premier League title in 2015 and was signed up for a second season at Woodhill Lane.

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Visa issues initially delayed the 31-year-old’s arrival however with a fine winter in domestic cricket leading the Sri Lanka Cricket Board to then request he stayed at home ahead of a potential international recall.

Randiv has played 12 tests, 30 ODIs and seven Twenty20s for his country and was a late call-up for the 2011 World Cup final as Sri Lanka lost to India.

His last international limited overs appearance was against India in Ahmedabad back in November 2014.

Also an Indian Premier League winner, Randiv has experience facing England having played in the ODI series back in the summer of 2011, some fine performances included taking 5-42 at Old Trafford where captain Alastair Cook was amongst his victims.

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Sri Lanka first face Ireland on June 16 and 18 before the England series begins at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, June 21.

Danushka Gunathilaka, Farveez Maharoof, Seekuge Prasanna and Upul Tharanga have also been called up to the party currently touring England, the hosts having won the three-match test series.

With Randiv unable to return to Morecambe in 2016, the defending champions have moved to sign experienced Pakistani all-round Saeed Anwar Jnr as his replacement, South African Daryn Smit have starred as a sub professional so far this season.