Sri Lanka announce squad for Test series against New Zealand

Sri Lanka have unveiled their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to begin on September 18 at Galle International Stadium.

The series will be a crucial part of the World Test Championship (WTC) and marks the return of Oshada Fernando to the Test team after a one-year hiatus.

Fernando, who last played a Test against New Zealand in March 2023, makes his comeback following impressive performances for Sri Lanka A. He scored 122 and 80 against South Africa A earlier this month, which has earned him a spot in the red-ball team. His inclusion sees Nishan Madushka, a member of the side that toured England, miss out on the squad. Sri Lanka secured a victory by eight wickets in the final Test at The Oval during that tour, avoiding a clean sweep.

The selection also sees the omission of Kasun Rajitha and Nisala Tharaka, while most of the squad members who faced England have been retained. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the team, supported by seasoned players such as Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Dinesh Chandimal. Young talents like Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, and Sadeera Samarawickrama have also been included in the squad.

Sri Lanka, currently placed fifth in the WTC standings with a point percentage of 42.86, will be eager to improve their position. New Zealand, who are third with a 50 per cent point percentage, have had limited practice on the sub-continent due to a recent Test against Afghanistan being called off due to rain at Greater Noida Sports Complex Ground.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.