SLC has announced an 18-member Sri Lanka squad for England tests. Dhananjaya de Silva will be leading the side for the three-match test series starting on August 21.
Nisala Tharaka and Milan Rathnayake are the two uncapped players added to the squad which also sees the return of Jeffrey Vandersay to the test cricket. Vandersay who picked a six-wicket haul in the second ODI in India’s tour of Sri Lanka has been included in the squad and could be handy in English conditions.
🚨 Sri Lanka Test Squad for England Tour Announced 🚨 #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/elussddz7y
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 7, 2024
Vandersay comes in as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga who had come out of Test retirement for Sri Lanka’s last test series against Bangladesh earlier this year. Prabath Jayasuriya along with de Silva will be the other spin option for Sri Lanka along with the skipper.
Tharaka and Rathnayake have been handed a debut who are experienced in the domestic circuit. Tharaka has played 107 FC matches and picked 257 wickets. Rathnayake has featured in 29 FC matches and has bagged 79 wickets and both will serve as a backup for Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Asitha Fernando in the pace department.
Sri Lanka has opted for a familiar batting lineup with opener Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka, followed by Kusal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Dhananjaya.
Kamindu Mendis could be handy with his batting and Bowling skills. Sri Lanka’s first Test against England will be played in Manchester from August 21.
Sri Lanka squad for England Tests: Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake
