Profiles / Editor / 21 February 2007 /

Sri Lanka have named veteran batsman Russel Arnold in their 15-man squad for the upcoming World Cup ahead of teenager Chamara Kapugedera.

The 33-year-old, who has scored 3,744 runs in 167 one-day matches, is currently in the side who lead India 1-0 in their four-match series on the sub-continent.

It was unclear whether or not the experienced player would make it onto the plane for the Caribbean but chairman of selectors Asantha de Mel feels that, with the likes of Arnold in the squad, they have got the right mix.

"We feel this is the right combination for the World Cup," he said. "The team has got a nice blend of youth and experience. We are well prepared and we feel this team can go all the way to win the World Cup.

"The side has got firepower at the top of the order and there's a solid middle order too. Add to that we have the kind of bowlers who can contain and bowl sides out.

"The squad has variation and most players are experienced as well."

Sri Lanka, who are many people's favourites to cause a shock in the Windies, have looked good in their current outings with India and successfully defended 257 against the star-studded India batting line-up on Sunday in game two, after the first match fell foul of the weather.

The Sri Lankans are trading as the 1.65 favourites to emerge victorious from their current series with India, with the hosts on offer at 2.44 and a drawn series available at 6.4

However in the emerging market for the third one-dayer in Goa, the tourists trade at 2.36 with Rahul Dravid's men the 1.64 favourites.

Sri Lanka squad:
Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Marvan Atapattu, Sanath Jayasuriya, Upul Tharanga, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Russel Arnold, Chamara Silva, Farveez Maharoof, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Malinga Bandara.

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