Sri Lanka announce Test squad for Pakistan series

Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for their two-Test tour of Pakistan in November, with Kusal Mendis set to begin his tenure as Test captain during the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series.

The tour will feature matches in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13 and Lahore from November 17 to 21. The series forms part of the ongoing WTC cycle, with both teams looking to improve their positions in the standings.

Mendis takes over the leadership following Dhananjaya de Silva’s decision to step down, while several changes have been made to the squad that featured in Sri Lanka’s recent home Tests against India.

Who are the new faces in Sri Lanka’s squad?

Fast-bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara have earned their maiden call-ups for the two-Test assignment, while left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has returned to the squad.

Malinga, 25, has featured regularly in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs sides but is yet to make his Test debut. He has claimed 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15.

Bandara, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his impressive performances in domestic cricket. The 22-year-old averages 65.85 in 31 first-class matches, having scored seven centuries and seven half-centuries, including a highest score of 200 not out.

Bandara replaces Niroshan Dickwella, who was recalled for the home Tests against India in August but has been omitted this time.

What other changes have Sri Lanka made?

Experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal returns after missing part of the previous Test assignment following a concussion. Openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, along with all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, have been left out.

Pathum Nissanka has been included conditionally, with Sri Lanka Cricket confirming that the batter will travel to Pakistan only if he is declared medically fit before the first Test.

The bowling attack will feature Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Madushanka and Malinga. Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha are the frontline spin options, supported by all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who impressed against India. Vishwa Fernando has been dropped.

What is at stake in the World Test Championship?

Sri Lanka currently sit seventh in the WTC standings with a points percentage of 33.33, while Pakistan is at the bottom with 4.63.

The Test series will follow Pakistan’s ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka, in which the hosts have secured an unassailable 2-0 lead, and an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England beginning on October 18.

Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.