Middle order batsman and vice captain of the Sri Lanka Test team has in all probability escaped being sent home from the tour of New Zealand after he reportedly refused to heed a call to bat at Number Seven in the first One-Day International in Auckland that took place yesterday.
An official of Sri Lanka Cricket told the Sunday Observer they came close to a point to recall De Silva after they were told of the batsman’s stance when it came to team selection and plans for the first ODI.
De Silva is reported to have told the team selectors he will bat in the top five and not at seven.
But De Silva using what is called a Tweet denied he refused to abide by team plans.
“The story circulating in social media sayig that I have refused to bat at No 7 during tomorrow’s (Saturday) game is false and I wish to state that I am a player who always stands with the team”, De Silva tweeted.
He was not in the line-up when Sri Lanka took the field to bowl first against New Zealand on Saturday.