Sri Lanka announce playing XI for second Test against England

Sri Lanka have unveiled their playing XI for the second Test against England, set to commence at Lord’s on Thursday. 

The team has made two significant changes, bringing in Lahiru Kumara and Pathum Nissanka, who replace Vishwa Fernando and Kusal Mendis, respectively.

Kusal Mendis, who struggled in the first Test at Old Trafford with scores of 24 and 0, has been dropped after dismissals by Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson. Pathum Nissanka, who last featured in a Test match in 2022 against Australia and holds an average of 38.35, is slated to bat at number three in his place.

Vishwa Fernando, who managed two wickets in England’s first innings but went wicketless in the second while conceding 46 runs from eight overs, has been replaced by Lahiru Kumara. Fernando’s exclusion leaves Sri Lanka without a left-arm fast-bowling option at Lord’s.

The changes also impact the wicketkeeping situation. Dinesh Chandimal, who was forced to retire hurt after being struck on the hand by a 90mph delivery from Mark Wood in the first Test, is expected to keep wickets if fit. 

Chandimal did return to contribute a solid 79 off 119 balls, but Nishan Madushka is on standby should Chandimal be unavailable.

After their five-wicket loss at Old Trafford, Sri Lanka faces a must-win situation at Lord’s to keep the series alive.

Sri Lanka playing eleven for the second Test: Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake.