COLOMBO, June 3: Former Sri Lanka captain Marvan Atapattu is likely to play his first Test in nearly 18 months later this month when Bangladesh arrive for a series of three Tests and three ODIs.

Atapattu has been a near-permanent presence in most squads but has played little part in Sri Lanka's recent resurgence.

He was part of the World Cup squad but failed to get a game in the Caribbean. That may be about to change now, with Asantha de Mel, chief selector, backing Atapattu's return.

“Marvan Atapattu will definitely be considered for the Test and the one day series against Bangladesh,” said de Mel.

“I think Marvan is too good a player to be left out considering his experience and ability. We will initially look at him for the Tests and, depending on his form, will consider him for the one-day games too. He was left out of the matches against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi, but we have decided to reconsider him,” he added.

One veteran who might not be part of the action is Sanath Jayasuriya, de Mel suggesting that he may get a well-deserved break.

“We have also taken a decision to rest some of the seniors for this series. It is very likely that Sanath Jayasuriya will be rested. Sanath is a player of undisputed class and he is in no danger of losing his place. He can afford to rest and come back.

“We will take the opportunity to try our new players who are on the fringe of breaking through as we feel Bangladesh is a side we can afford to experiment against.”

De Mel also confirmed that Muttiah Muralitharan, Kumar Sangakkara and Chaminda Vaas, currently in England playing county cricket, will be available for the home series.

“Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara will definitely be available for the series. We have been told of their availability. We want to look at every angle before we decide on the squad. The availability of the trio will give us an excellent balance in the squad for the series.”

The trio skipped the ODI series in Abu Dhabi against Pakistan because of their county commitments.—Agencies