Sri Lankan cricket is all set to play the test series against Pakistan, starting July 16, despite facing political and financial crises in the country.
Prabath Jayasuriya, a left-arm spinner with less experience, and Dunith Wellalage, an uncapped left-arm spinner who was pulled into the Covid-hit team prior to the second Test last week and picked up a record 12 wickets on Test debut against Australia, have been named.
After missing the second Test against Australia due to Covid, all-arounder Dhananjaya de Silva, pacer Asitha Fernando, and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay are all included in the team and might make a comeback for Sri Lanka.
Pathum Nissanka, a crucial hitter who tested positive for Covid midway through that game, has a chance to play again, while left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who helped Sri Lanka defeat Australia, is expected to have the chance to direct the spin assault.
Maheesh Theekshana and Ramesh Mendis are anticipated to spin with the 30-year-old against Pakistan, although youthful left-armer Praveen Jayawickrama and teammate Lasith Embuldeniya were left off the roster.
Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, and the in-form Dinesh Chandimal will provide the majority of the batting support for a Sri Lankan team that is looking to continue their recent rise up the World Test Championship standings. Experienced left-hander Dimuth Karunaratne will captain the team once more.
Due to their convincing victory against Australia in Galle by an innings and 39 runs, Sri Lanka has climbed to third place in the World Test Championship standings, and they will be hoping to match that performance when they take on Babar Azam’s team.
On the World Test Championship standings, Pakistan ranks fourth, one position behind Sri Lanka, and is still very much in the running to make the final the following year.
On Saturday, July 16, the first Test of the series will be played in Galle. At the end of the month, the second Test will be played in Colombo.
Sri Lanka Test Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay
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