SL vs SA: Sri Lanka announce 17-member squad for Test series against South Africa

Sri Lanka has named a 17-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, set to begin on November 29. Fast-bowler Kasun Rajitha has been included, along with left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, marking his return to the national squad after over two years. The duo replaces all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and left-arm spinner Jeffrey Vandersay from the squad that faced New Zealand in September.

Rajitha, who was absent from the squad for Sri Lanka's 2-0 series win against New Zealand due to the spin-friendly home conditions, was part of the touring squad to England in August but did not feature in the playing XI. His last Test appearance came against Bangladesh in Sylhet, where he claimed eight wickets. Rajitha was also a key contributor to Sri Lanka's historic 2-0 series win over South Africa in 2019, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets.

Embuildeniya, who last played a Test against Australia in 2022, has been recalled after a strong showing in the 2023/24 National Super League 4-Day Tournament, where he picked up 17 wickets in six matches for Kandy, who finished runners-up to Galle. His return to form follows a modest performance in his previous outings, including a wicketless display against Australia that led to his omission from the squad for the home series against Pakistan.

The rest of the squad remains as expected, with openers Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunanratne, and Oshada Fernando leading the batting line-up. Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Sadeera Samarawickrama provide options behind the stumps. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the team, with all-rounders Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Matthews, and Milan Rathnayake offering additional depth.

The pace attack will be bolstered by Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Rajitha. The spin department will be led by Player of the Series against New Zealand, Prabath Jayasuriya, along with Nishan Peiris and Embuldeniya completing the squad.

This series is part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, with both Sri Lanka and South Africa aiming for a spot in the final. The first Test will be held at Kingsmead in Durban on November 29, with the second Test scheduled for St. George's Park in Gqeberha. Sri Lanka will depart for South Africa on November 22.

Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha