Mendis, Nissanka ruled out of first Test against India, Nuwantha earns maiden call-up
Colombo, Aug 12
Key batters Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have been ruled out of Sri Lanka's first Test against India, starting on August 15 in Galle, as Sri Lanka Cricket on Wednesday announced a 16-member squad led by all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva.
Mendis sustained a right hamstring injury while taking a run for Colombo Kaps against Kandy Royals in a Lanka Premier League (LPL) match at the SSC ground in Colombo on July 19 and has been doing rehabilitation at the National High Performance Centre.
Nissanka, meanwhile, is recovering from a wrist surgery done in London last month. With the duo unavailable, the selectors have recalled veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, who last played a Test in 2023. Left-handed batter Dickwella's experience of playing 54 Tests has seen him get the nod over Anjala Bandara, who featured in the warm-up clash against India at the NCC Ground in Colombo.
Off-spin bowling all-rounder Keshara Nuwantha, who picked three scalps in the warm-up clash, has earned his maiden Test call-up, while Kasun Rajitha and Isitha Wijesundara have been dropped. Top-order batter Nishan Madushka retained his spot after scoring 66 and 63 not out against India in the three-day warm-up game.
The core batting unit features de Silva, vice-captain Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha. Prabath Jayasuriya leads the spin department alongside Ramesh Mendis and Nuwantha, with de Silva and Mendis being part-time options.
Asitha Fernando heads the pace attack alongside Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Dilshan Madushanka. The second Test between India and Sri Lanka will be played at the SSC Ground in Colombo from August 23-27.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's sad to see key players missing due to injuries. Cricket in the subcontinent is always intense, and these injuries take away from the spectacle. Wishing both Kusal and Pathum a speedy recovery. Also, interesting to see Nuwantha get a call-up after his performance in the warm-up match.
Nissanka's wrist surgery is a big concern. He's been a consistent performer for them in the recent past. That said, looks like a balanced squad from Sri Lanka but they'll miss the firepower at the top. I think India starts as clear favourites now.
A bit of a worry for the Lankans - Mendis was in decent form in the LPL before his injury. But credit to the selectors for giving Nuwantha a shot based on domestic performances. Also, Nishan Madushka scoring runs in the warm-up is a good sign for them. All set for a thrilling Test series! 🏏
Honestly, even with their full strength squad, India would have been the favourites. But this makes it even tougher for them. However, dropping Kasun Rajitha seems a bit harsh. He's been a workhorse for them. Should be an interesting contest, though - Galle is always a spin-friendly pitch.
Good to see Dickwella back in the Test squad. He brings that aggressive mindset which can be crucial in red-ball cricket. And congratulations to Nuwantha! Every youngster dreams of wearing that jersey. Looking forward to a competitive Test series between the neighbours. 🇮🇳🇱🇰
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