Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] Next month, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan will compete in a comprehensive series encompassing various formats. The series will kick off with a one-off Test, followed by three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is. Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka’s newly appointed Test captain, will lead the team starting with the Test match on February 2 in Colombo, with Kusal Mendis as his vice-captain. The squad features seasoned players like Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal, alongside several promising youngsters.
Among the fresh faces are wicketkeeper-batter Lahiru Udara and pacers Chamika Gunasekara and Milan Rathnayake, all yet to make their Test debuts. The bowling unit is anchored by Kasun Rajitha, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Ramesh Mendis, with Vishwa Fernando adding experience.
Following a Test series defeat to Pakistan in July 2023, Sri Lanka aims for a strong comeback. Dhananjaya de Silva was a standout performer in that series, while Jayasuriya led in wickets. Sadeera Samarawickrama, the top ODI scorer for Sri Lanka last year, seeks a resurgence in Test cricket.
This series marks the first Test encounter between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan, offering an intriguing clash as Afghanistan has shown the ability to challenge more seasoned teams.
The Sri Lankan squad for the Test against Afghanistan includes: Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Kusal Mendis (Vice-Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Udara, Chamika Gunasekara, Milan Rathnayake.