(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Sri Lanka have unveiled its 16-member squad for the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to commence on February 2 at Colombo’s Sinhalese Sports Club.
This marks the inaugural challenge for newly appointed Sri Lankan skipper, Dhananjaya de Silva, who steps into the leadership role succeeding Dimuth Karunaratne. Accompanying de Silva, wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis assumes the position of deputy for the upcoming Test.
Sri Lanka have named three uncapped players, wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara, fast-bowler Chamika Gunasekara and all-rounder Milan Rathnayake in the squad. While Udara and Gunasekara have already represented Sri Lanka in the shorter formats of the game, Rathnayake enters the international arena with a clean slate.
Amidst the influx of new faces, Sri Lanka’s squad also boasts seasoned veterans like Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Vishwa Fernando, with 20 Tests under his belt and 50 wickets to his credit, shoulders the responsibility of leading the bowling attack, bringing his wealth of experience to the fore.
Notably, the selection sidelines Pravin Jayawickrama, Lakshitha Manasinghe, Dilshan Madushanka and Pathum Nissanka, who were part of the squad against Pakistan but now find themselves excluded for the clash against Hashmatullah Shahidi’s Afghanistan.
Reflecting on recent encounters, Sri Lanka’s last Test series against Pakistan in July 2023 ended in disappointment as the visitors dominated proceedings, clinching a comprehensive 2-0 series victory on Sri Lankan soil.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Udara, Chamika Gunasekara, Milan Rathnayake.