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Key Points

Sri Lanka has unveiled an 18-member squad featuring three debutants for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh. The series marks the start of their 2025-27 World Test Championship campaign under captain Dhananjaya De Silva. Veteran Angelo Mathews will retire after the Galle Test, ending a 16-year red-ball career where he debuted and will now bid farewell at the same venue. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, aims to challenge Sri Lanka in their home conditions.

Key Points: Sri Lanka Names 18-Member Test Squad for Bangladesh Series

  • Sri Lanka starts new WTC cycle with fresh faces
  • Angelo Mathews to retire after Galle Test
  • Dhananjaya De Silva leads 18-member squad
  • Bangladesh led by Najmul Hossain Shanto
2 min read

Sri Lanka announce 18-member squad for Test series against Bangladesh

Sri Lanka announces squad with debutants for WTC 2025-27 opener against Bangladesh as Angelo Mathews prepares for farewell Test in Galle.

"Mathews initiated his Test career at Galle in 2009 and is all set to draw curtains on his time in Sri Lanka’s whites at the same venue. – ICC"

Colombo, June 15

Sri Lanka on Sunday announced their 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home, which will kick start from June 17.

This Test series marks the beginning of Sri Lanka's journey in the new World Test Championship cycle between 2025-2027, as per the ICC official website.

Led by Dhananjaya De Silva, the squad features multiple newcomers, who will be looking to make a mark in familiar playing conditions.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake and Isitha Wijesundara are the fresh faces, poised to make their Test debut for The Lions.

Meanwhile, Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha, who made their debuts in Sri Lanka's previous red-ball assignment against Australia, retain their places.

Among the experienced campaigners, seamer Lahiru Kumara was selected, but misses out on the first Test due to injury.

A big spotlight on the upcoming Test will be the end of former skipper Angelo Mathews' career in the red-ball format.

Mathews initiated his Test career at Galle in 2009 and is all set to draw curtains on his time in Sri Lanka's whites at the same venue.

The 37-year-old follows in the footsteps of Dimuth Karunaratne, who also retired at Galle following the second Test against Australia in February 2025.

Bangladesh announced their squad earlier this month. With Najmul Hossain Shanto set to continue leading them into a new WTC cycle.

Sri Lanka fixtures against Bangladesh:

First Test: Galle, June 17.

Second Test: Colombo, 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.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Exciting to see new talent in Sri Lankan cricket! As an Indian fan, I always enjoy watching our neighbors play good cricket. Hope the young players like Sooriyabandara get a proper chance to shine. Best of luck to both teams! 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰
P
Priya M.
Sad to see Angelo Mathews retire from Tests. He was one of the most consistent players against India over the years. Hope Sri Lankan cricket finds worthy replacements soon. The transition phase seems tough for them after Karunaratne's retirement too.
A
Arjun S.
Interesting squad selection! But I feel Sri Lanka should have included more experienced players against Bangladesh who are improving rapidly in Tests. The absence of Kumara in first Test might hurt their bowling attack. Hope the newcomers step up!
S
Sneha P.
As a cricket lover from Mumbai, I'm looking forward to this series! The Galle Test will be emotional with Mathews' farewell. Hope both teams give us some good cricket. Would love to see India play Sri Lanka in Tests soon - those matches are always thrilling!
V
Vikram J.
The new WTC cycle begins! Hope Sri Lanka performs better this time. Their cricket infrastructure needs improvement though - we've seen how Indian support helped them during their economic crisis. Strong neighbors make strong region! 🇮🇳🤝🇱🇰
N
Neha R.
Good to see Test cricket getting attention in the subcontinent! Though I wish broadcasters would show these matches properly in India too. We only get to see India matches most times. Other Asian teams deserve viewership too!

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