Pathum Nissanka, who had wrist surgery in June, which saw him miss the red-ball series against India earlier, is set to return to Sri Lanka’s Test squad for a two-match series against Pakistan. Set to begin on November 9, the series will see Sri Lanka being led by Kusal Mendis, who was promoted after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down as captain last week.
However, Dhananjaya has been retained in the squad, which also features a few new names, including wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara and pacer Eshan Malinga. With captaincy now on Mendis’ plate as well, Sri Lanka might look to devolve the wicketkeeping duties to Bandara, getting him his debut Test cap during the series. Like him, Malinga might also be fast-tracked to the team, with the side struggling with quick bowlers of late.
Sri Lanka include five pacers alongside Eshan Malinga
Sri Lanka have named a decent contingent of pacers in the squad, including, besides Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayaka and Dilshan Madushanka. This might create a good kind of selection headache for the visitors, but Malinga should remain a priority if Sri Lanka really are after getting an express pacer to support Lahiru Kumara.
From the squad that faced India in the second Test match in August, Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige, Lahiru Udara, Niroshan Dickwella and Vishwa Fernando have been left out of the squad. Besides the newbies and returning Madushanka, the squad will also have Dinesh Chandimal back, who missed the second Test against India after being substituted under the concussion protocol.
Sooriyabandara and Dinusha retain places after India series
Pasindu Sooriyabandara has also retained his place in the squad after his decent debut during the India series. He scored two fifty-plus scores (80 and 92) in the second Test and was generally a welcome addition in Sri Lanka’s otherwise flimsy top order. Like him, Sonal Dinusha, after his spectacular form in the Colombo Test against India, has earned a place in the squad. Dinusha scored two tons in both innings, despite Sri Lanka following on against India’s 503-run total.
Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Tests
Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
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