Sri Lanka announce squad for India Test series

Dhananjaya De Silva will lead a 16-player unit for the opening Test in Galle.

Sri Lanka have announced a 16-member squad for the first Test of their ICC World Test Championship series against India, with Dhananjaya de Silva leading the side and Kamindu Mendis appointed his deputy.

The opening Test will be played in Galle from Aug. 15-19, followed by the second match in Colombo from Aug. 23-27.

Niroshan Dickwella is in line to return to Test cricket after regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis was ruled out with an injury. Dickwella last played a Test for Sri Lanka against New Zealand in 2023.

Experienced batter Pathum Nissanka is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.

The squad includes several players who could make their Test debuts. Batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara has earned a place after producing impressive performances in domestic cricket, while right-arm off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha is also in contention for his first appearance at Test level.

Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been recalled after making his only Test appearance against Pakistan in 2023. His return gives Sri Lanka another left-arm option and adds variety to their pace attack.

Sri Lanka’s squad also features experienced campaigners including Dinesh Chandimal, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and Asitha Fernando.

Sri Lanka are currently sixth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 41.67 after four matches, including one victory. India sit fifth on 48.15% after nine Tests and four wins.

The two teams will be looking to strengthen their positions in the championship race with the two-Test series.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udana, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

Series schedule:

First Test: Aug. 15-19, Galle

Second Test: Aug. 23-27, Colombo