Colombo, August 12: Cricket has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match against India. Unfortunately, Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka will miss the first Test due to injuries.
All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the squad. The first Test is scheduled to begin on August 15 at Galle International Cricket Stadium. Mendis sustained a right hamstring injury while running during a Lanka Premier League (LPL) match against Candy Royals on July 19 at the SSC Ground in Colombo. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the National High-Performance Center.
Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery he underwent in London last month. With both players unavailable, selectors have recalled experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella, who last played a Test match in 2023. The left-handed Dickwella brings 54 Tests worth of experience, making him a preferred choice over Anjala Bandara, who participated in the warm-up match against India at the NCC Ground in Colombo.
Off-spin bowling all-rounder Keshara Nuwanta has earned his first call-up to the Test team after taking three wickets in the warm-up match against India. Meanwhile, Kasun Rajitha and Isitha Vijayesundara have been dropped from the squad. Top-order batsman Nishan Madushka secured his spot by scoring 66 and an unbeaten 63 runs in the three-day warm-up match against India.
The main batting unit includes de Silva, vice-captain Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha. The spin department will be led by Prabath Jayasuriya, supported by Ramesh Mendis and Nuwanta. De Silva and Mendis will serve as part-time options. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Asitha Fernando, with support from Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Dilshan Madushanka. The second Test between India and Sri Lanka will take place from August 23-27 at the SSC Ground in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Team: Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kamindu Mendis (Vice-Captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (Wicketkeeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwanta, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.