17 Mar 2009

Mendis released from Sri Lankan hospital

9:03 am on 17 March 2009

The Sri Lankan spin bowler Ajantha Mendis has been released from hospital, two weeks after the squad was attacked by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan.

Mendis, who had shrapnel extracted from his head and back, says he's delighted to be going home.

Thilan Samaraweera, who had a bullet removed from his left thigh, remains under observation at a private hospital.

Tharanga Paranavitana, who had a bullet taken out of his chest, and British assistant coach Paul Farbrace were discharged over the weekend.

The convoy of players, officials and coaches on their way to the second Test match in Lahore on March 3rd was ambushed by gunmen firing automatic weapons, grenades and a rocket launcher.

Seven Sri Lankan players and Farbrace were injured, and the squad was flown home immediately. Eight Pakistanis were killed by the attackers, who escaped capture.

Mendis says psychologists hired to counsel the team were due to wrap up their program this week.