Sri Lanka announce squad for first Test against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka have named an 18-member squad for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh, set to begin on June 17 in Galle. The team will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva.

This Test match will be a special one as it marks the final appearance of veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews in Test cricket. Mathews, who made his Test debut at Galle in 2009, will also end his red-ball career at the same historic venue.

The 38-year-old follows former skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, who also retired from Test cricket at Galle earlier this year after Sri Lanka’s series against Australia.

The series is also the start of Sri Lanka’s campaign in the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle, making it a crucial outing for the team.

Three uncapped players—Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara—have been included in the squad and could make their Test debuts.

Meanwhile, Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha, who played in the previous series against Australia, have kept their places.

Among the experienced names, fast bowler Lahiru Kumara has also been picked but will miss the first Test due to injury.

The second and final Test will be played in Colombo on June 25.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara.

Series Fixtures:

• First Test: Galle, June 17-21
• Second Test: Colombo, June 25-29