Sri Lanka name squad for Test series against Australia

It features a strong spin attack with Jayasuriya, Vandersay and Nishan

Sri Lanka have named 24-year-old left-arm spinning allrounder Sonal Dinusha in their squad for the two-match Test series against Australia, starting on January 29 in Galle. This marks Dinusha's first inclusion in the squad, following an impressive domestic season.

Dinusha has been in fine form recently, scoring two first-class centuries in the past month for Colombo Cricket Club. With a first-class batting average of 40.08 and a bowling average of 24.06 after 44 matches, his all-round skills have caught the selectors' attention.

Opening batter Lahiru Udara also makes the squad, potentially as a replacement for Pathum Nissanka, who is recovering from a groin strain sustained during the third ODI against New Zealand on January 11. Udara, an experienced domestic player with 97 first-class matches, has been in good form, recording scores of 142 and 65 in his last five innings.

Sri Lanka's captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, is racing against time to recover from a side strain he sustained during a first-class game. Meanwhile, Nissanka's fitness remains uncertain.

The squad features a strong spin attack, with Prabath Jayasuriya leading the department alongside legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and offspinner Nishan Peiris. In the pace department, Sri Lanka have named four seamers: Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Milan Rathnayake.

Despite a disappointing tour of South Africa, the batting core remains unchanged. Dimuth Karunaratne, who is set to play his 100th Test in the second match, is joined by seasoned players Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis. Sadeera Samarawickrama has been included as a backup middle-order batter and wicketkeeper.

While Sri Lanka's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final are over after losing six of their 11 matches in the current cycle, Australia are in a commanding position. With 11 wins and two draws from 17 matches, Australia have all but secured a spot in the final alongside South Africa.

Both Tests in the series will be played in Galle, known for its spin-friendly conditions.

Sri Lanka squad for the Test series against Australia:

Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.