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Jayasuriya's first test is Australia

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Posted: Wednesday July 07, 1999 11:32 AM

Sanath Jayasuriya is considered Sri Lanka's top batsman despite his poor showing in the World Cup. Stu Forster/Allsport

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) -- Star batsman Sanath Jayasuriya has replaced former skipper Arjuna Ranatunga as Sri Lanka's cricket captain and Mahela Jayawardene has been named vice captain, cricket officials said Wednesday.

The new captain will lead Sri Lanka in the three-test series against Australia next month. India will join the two teams in a triangular one-day tournament.

Since the Sri Lankan team's disastrous showing in the recent World Cup, the media had reported there was likely to be a change in the captaincy. Ranatunga was expected to step down soon after he returned from a trip to the United States.

Opener Jayasuriya, 29, is considered Sri Lanka's top batsman despite his poor showing in the World Cup. Jayasuriya also has captured 150 wickets in one-day internationals.

Jayawardene, 22, is a front-line batsman and an occasional slow medium pace bowler.

 

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