Colombo: Sri Lankan Sports Minister Johnston Fernando on Friday averted what could have been a row with the national selectors by clearing a 17-member squad to tour South Africa. The selectors had ignored Fernando's concerns over a request by captain Sanath Jayasuriya, leading to speculation about a possible row between the minister and the selectors. The selection committee, headed by former Test player Guy De Alwis, had declined Jayasuriya's plea to exclude reserve wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardena and include batsman Dilshan Tillekaratne and pacer Kaushalya Weeraratne. But there was no controversy as the team was cleared by Fernando. The selectors have picked as many as seven fast bowlers with Muthiah Muralitharan the only spinner in the side. Left-arm fast bowler Ruchira Perera has been recalled after his bowling action was cleared following a report by umpires Daryl Harper and Srinivas Venkataraghavan at Lord's. Sri Lanka will miss veteran Aravinda De Silva, who announced his retirement from Test cricket. The Sri Lankan team leaves Colombo on Sunday to play two Tests and five One-day Internationals. Sri Lanka: Sanath Jayasuriya (captain), Marvan Atapattu (vice-captain), Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Hashan Tillekeratne, Russel Arnold, Jehan Mubarak, Muthiah Muralitharan, Hasantha Fernando, Chaminda Vaas, Dilhara Fernando, Sujeewa De Silva, Tharanga Lakshitha, Thilina Thushara, Chamila Gamage, Prasanna Jayawardena and Ruchira Perera.

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