Jayasuriya axed for West Indies one-day series

COLOMBO (Reuters) - Sri Lanka have axed explosive batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and rested spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for a three-match one-day series in West Indies next month.

Jayasuriya, 39, was dropped after averaging around 15 in his last 20 innings since the World Cup final in April last year, with selectors focusing more on the next edition.

"We have three years left to groom a team for the 2011 World Cup and it is essential that younger players must be given a chance," chief selector Ashantha de Mel told reporters.

Sri Lanka will now field youngsters Upul Tharanga and uncapped Mahela Udawatte at the top of the order after the other opener, Dilruwan Perera, was also axed.

He was left out after the team's disappointing CB Series in Australia, where India beat the hosts in the final.

The 35-year-old Muralitharan, test cricket's leading wicket-taker, has been rested to manage his workload so he can continue until the 2011 World Cup.

"Murali is likely to play just the main ODI tournaments which means that we can keep him fit and also groom his successors," captain Mahela Jayawardene told Reuters.

"The selectors are keen for him to continue playing until the 2011 World Cup, assuming he maintains his fitness and form."