Dhananjaya de Silva will captain Sri Lanka in the opening World Test Championship match, with Niroshan Dickwella set to return after Kusal Mendis was ruled out.
WEB DESK: Sri Lanka have announced a 16-member squad for the opening Test against India, with Dhananjaya de Silva named captain and Kamindu Mendis appointed vice-captain.
The first Test of the two-match ICC World Test Championship series will be played at Galle International Stadium from August 15 to 19, while the second Test is scheduled for Colombo from August 23 to 27.
Dickwella set for Test return
Wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella is in line for a return to Test cricket after regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis was ruled out with an injury.
Dickwella last represented Sri Lanka in a Test against New Zealand in 2023 and could now reclaim the wicketkeeping role for the series opener.
Experienced opener Pathum Nissanka is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.
New faces included in squad
Sri Lanka have included several players who could make their Test debuts.
Batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara earned his place following impressive domestic performances, while off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha is also in contention for his first Test appearance.
Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has been recalled after making his only Test appearance against Pakistan in 2023. His return provides Sri Lanka with another left-arm pace option.
The squad also contains experienced campaigners including Dinesh Chandimal, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and Asitha Fernando.
Sri Lanka squad for first Test
Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udana, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
WTC points at stake
Sri Lanka enter the series sixth in the World Test Championship standings with a 41.67% points percentage after four matches, including one victory.
India are fifth with a 48.15% points percentage after nine Tests and four wins. Both teams will be looking to improve their positions during the two-match series
