The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced an 18-member Sri Lanka squad for the upcoming final series of the current WTC cycle against Australia.
Uncapped Sonal Dinusha has been included in the squad for the two-match test series which begins next week.
Meanwhile, Opening batter Lahiru Udara has been included in the Sri Lanka squad as a cover for Pathum Nissanka who picked a groin strain during the third ODI against New Zealand. Nissanka is racing against time to get fit ahead of the series opener.
Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva is also recovering from injury as well having retired hurt from the FC game with a side strain.
Here’s the Sri Lanka Test Squad ready to take on the Warne-Murali Test Series 2025 at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium!
Let’s rally behind our lions as they gear up for this epic battle! #SLvsAUS #SriLankaCricket pic.twitter.com/Zst8FR9XdH— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) January 24, 2025
SLC had decided to to with leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and off spinner Nishan Peiris with Prabath Jayasuriya to lead the spin attack. On the seam bowling front, Sri Lanka have four options – Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake.
Dimuth Karunaratne is set to play his 100th test in the second test. However, Dinesh Chandimal, Angel Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, Kusal Mendis along with Dimuth will set up the batting line up.
On the other hand, Saddera Samarawickrama is in a squad, likely as the spare as the middle order batter and keeper.
Dinusha’s inclusion comes after impressive domestic season as he hitting two first-class hundreds in the last month. He has played 44 FC matches, he averages 40.08 with the bat and 24.06 with the ball.
Udara has been a domestic performer for years and has played 97 FC games. With Australia and South Africa secured a spot in the WTC finals and hence the result of the series will have no impact on the WTC final chances.
However, Cricket Australia has announced that Steve Smith will be leading the Australia squad for the Sri Lanka tests.
Sri Lanka squad for Australia tests: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), 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.
