Sri Lanka Test squad for Pakistan series introduced, Pathum Nissanka uncertain

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has on Tuesday (October 13) introduced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series towards Pakistan. The SLC selectors have handed the maiden Test call-up to the young wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara for the Pakistan series.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan will face one another in a two-match Test series that’s part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle. The primary Test will start on November 9 in Rawalpindi. Amid this, ICC punishes 2 West Indies stars after Ranchi T20I incidents in historic win.

Kusal Mendis to Lead Sri Lanka in Pakistan Assessments

Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the 15-member squad on October 13 for the upcoming Test series towards the Pakistan National Cricket Workforce. Kusal Mendis has been named captain for the upcoming Test series towards Pakistan following Dhananjaya de Silva’s resignation.

Mendis is now Sri Lanka’s captain throughout the format. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara choice is without doubt one of the greatest talking factors from the announcement. Bandara has earned his maiden Test call-up after impressing along with his performances for the Sri Lanka Rising group.

He has additionally built a wonderful first-class file, scoring 2,217 runs in 30 matches at a median of 67.18 and a strike price of 55.54. Bandara has smashed seven centuries, along with his highest rating being an unbeaten 200, making him an exciting expertise for Sri Lanka. Amid this, BCCI president Mithun Manhas provides replace on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s future.

Pathum Nissanka’s availability is dependent upon fitness

Nevertheless, Pathum Nissanka’s availability is in doubt, as he will travel with the Sri Lanka National Cricket Workforce only if declared medically match. Nissanka is at present recovering from a hamstring damage that he aggravated during Sri Lanka’s limited-overs tour of England last month.

The Sri Lankan batter already missed the three-match T20I series towards Pakistan because of the damage as he continues to work on his fitness. The SLC stated in an official statement, “Pathum Nissanka will only travel with the group if he’s declared medically match.”

The batting line-up includes Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva. Sonal Dinusha adds an all-round possibility.

Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige dropped from Test squads

Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha will lead the spin assault, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayaka, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga full the tempo assault. Madushanka returned to the Test squad after three years.

Malinga, who has been taking part in regular white-ball cricket for Sri Lanka, has acquired his maiden Test call-up. The 22-year-old pacer has taken 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at a median of 31.15.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has additionally made some changes to their squad, dropping openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara. Each batters featured in the second Test towards India in Colombo. All-rounder Sahan Arachchige has additionally been overlooked after receiving a call-up for that match.

Sri Lanka squad for the Pakistan Test series:

Pathum Nissanka*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (C), Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga

Source: cricketaddictor.com