Thilan Samaraweera has been recalled to the Sri Lankan squad as a replacement for Muttiah Muralitharan, who has flown home to Sri Lanka to rest his damaged shoulder. Samaraweera, who was a member of the Test squad but did not play a game, is an offspinning allrounder who has taken seven wickets in eight one-day internationals.

However, he is better known as a batsman, and has scored more than 500 runs in nine Tests at an average of 87.16, including two centuries.

Muralitharan, who bowled 126 overs in two Tests after missing the opening match at Lord's, returned to Sri Lanka after the defeat at Old Trafford.

"We were hoping he might play," said tour manager Chandra Schaffter, "but we had a look at the injury again and felt it was not worth risking such a valuable player."

Murali injured himself in April during the Sharjah Cup final against Pakistan, damaging ligaments in his left shoulder. He was immediately sent for intensive physiotherapy in Australia.

It is hoped he will be fit again in time for the Test series against Bangladesh in July.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd