Sri Lanka name 16-member squad for first Test against India
Galle, August 12
Sri Lanka Cricket on Wednesday announced a 16-member squad for the first Test of the two-match series against India, with experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella making his return to the Test side, according to Cricinfo.
Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the team, with Kamindu Mendis appointed his deputy. Dickwella has been included as the wicketkeeper in the absence of Kusal Mendis, who has been ruled out of the opening Test due to injury. Batter Pathum Nissanka has also not been included in the squad.
The batting lineup features Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha.
Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha form part of the spin department, while the pace attack comprises Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, according to Cricinfo.
The opening Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
The series will form part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Led by Shubman Gill, India are currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings, having registered four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150. Sri Lanka is at sixth, with a win, a draw and two losses.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
India's squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka is: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Dickwella back in the Test squad, he brings experience. But honestly, without Kusal Mendis, their batting looks a bit thin. India should dominate this series if our spinners click. Jadeja and Kuldeep will be key on those turning tracks!
Respect to Sri Lanka for trying out new faces like Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha. It's a rebuilding phase for them. But with Shubman Gill leading India and KL Rahul as vice-captain, I think we have the edge. Hoping for a clean sweep to boost our WTC points!
Galle is a fortress for Sri Lanka, I'm not taking them lightly. Their spinners always perform well there. India needs to be patient with the bat, especially against Ramesh Mendis and Jayasuriya. Should be a good contest, can't wait for August 15! 😊
I hope India doesn't repeat the mistakes of the past. Sri Lanka may be underdogs on paper, but they've surprised us before in Galle. Our pace attack looks a bit inexperienced without Bumrah and Shami — hopefully Siraj and Prasidh step up big time. 🤞
Actually a bit disappointed that India didn't rest Gill and try someone else as captain for this series. But good to see young players like Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi getting a chance. The future looks bright! Also, respect to Sri Lanka for giving young Sooriyabandara a debut chance.