1 week Ago
Sri Lanka vs Australia Tests: Sri Lanka have announced an 18-member squad for the two-match Test series against Australia at home which kicks off on January 29 in Galle. Uncapped spin bowling all-rounder Sonal Dinusha and specialist batter Lahiru Udara, a seasoned domestic campaigner, have received their maiden national call-up for the all-important assignment. Udara has been included, potentially as cover for Pathum Nissanka, who is racing to be fit for the first Test, after picking up a groin strain while batting during the third ODI against New Zealand in Auckland Captain Dhananjaya de Silva is also under an injury scare, having retired hurt from a first-class game with a side strain less than two weeks ago.
The spin duo of Jeffrey Vandersay and Nishan Peiris made it to the squad as well alongside Prabath Jayasuriya who will be leading the attack. Talking about the pace attack, the hosts will have four options in Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Milan Rathnayake. After the underwhelming tour of South Africa in November and December, all eyes will once again be on the batters.
Dimuth Karunaratne is set to play his 100th Test in the second Test, with Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, and Kusal Mendis likely to make up the remainder of the batting lineup. Sadeera Samarawickrama is in the squad, likely as the spare middle-order batter and keeper. Talking about Dinusha, his inclusion in the side came as a reward for his impressive domestic performances and recent form.
On the other hand, Udara has played 97 first-class games. He also makes the squad on the back of decent form, having made a 142 and a 65 in his last five innings. Sri Lanka are already out of contention for the World Test Championship final qualification, having lost six of the 11 matches they have played in the ongoing cycle so far.
Australia have made it to the WTC final with 11 wins in their 17 games. They can only lose out on the summit clash against South Africa if they incur an unlikely number of over-rate penalty points during the Sri Lanka Tests. Both the Test matches between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played in Galle.
Sri Lanka squad for Australia Test series Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake..
