The fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has returned to 17 members of Sri Lanka’s squad for South Africa tests which begins on November 29.
With left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and fast bowler Kasun Rajitha being recalled to the squad after more than two years, the duo have replaced Ramesh Mendis and left-arm spinner Jeffrey Vandersay who were part of the squad which played against New Zealand at home in September.
Kasun Rajitha was not part of the squad 2-0 series win against New Zealand as the home conditions largely favoured the spinner.
He was part of the travelling contigent to England in August but didn’t feature in the playing Xl. He last played a test against Bangladesh in Sylhet where he picked up eight wickets.
Rajitha was also part of the famous 2-0 series win against South Africa back in 2019 where he was the second highest wicket taker in the series with nine wickets behind Vishwa Fernando.
After winning a test in England, followed by their clean sweep against New Zealand at home, Sri Lanka are currently in the third position of the WTC points table, only behind Australia and India with a strong case to make it to next year’s WTC finals at Lord’s.
Embuledniya picked up 17 wickets in six matches in 2023/24 National Super League 4-day tournament for Kandy who finished runners-up to Galle.
The rest of the squad is on expected lines with the batters comprising Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunarantne, and Oshada Fernando while Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Sadeera Samarawickrama offer an option with the gloves as well.
Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the side and the other all-rounder include breakaway star Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Matthews and Milan Rathnayake.
Meanwhile South Africa, the home advantage for their remaining games in WTC 2023-25 cycle against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
The series is part of the WTC cycle 2023-25 and both sides will be aiming for WTC finals if they win the series.
The first test will be played at Kingsmead in Durban from November 29 while the second will be held at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Sri Lanka Squad for South Africa tests: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha
