SL cricket team leaves for New Zealand (Watch video)

The Sri Lankan cricket team departed the country on a tour of New Zealand as part of the world cup preparations.

Uncapped 21-year-old off spinner Tharindu Kaushal has been named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the tour of New Zealand, while uncapped quick Dushmantha Chameera also earns a place.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews and his team received a traditional Buddhist blessing before setting off on a tour of New Zealand as part of their World Cup preparations.

Sri Lanka skipper Mathews insists his side will be concentrating on the two tests and seven one day internationals against the Black Caps before they start to concentrate on the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand beginning in February.

Sri Lanka will be without their talisman, Mahela Jayawardene, who recently retired from test matches and Mathews admitted:

“It is a big challenge with out Mahela. It will take a long time if we try to find a replacement for him.”

Jayawardene will join the team for the one day internationals and the World Cup before retiring from all forms of the game while another veteran, Kumar Sangakkara, has also announced that he will retire from one day internationals after the World Cup.