Sri Lanka have announced an 18-man squad for their upcoming Test against Bangladesh, with a notable six players yet to make their debut. This could signal a period of transition, especially with Angelo Mathews playing his final Test series and Dimuth Karunaratne having retired earlier this year.
Among the uncapped players are opening batsman Lahiru Udara, aged 31, and the spin-bowling all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, 24. Both previously toured with the team in Australia. Udara seems well-positioned to fill Karunaratne’s shoes at the top of the order, thanks to his consistent performance domestically over several years. Nevertheless, Oshada Fernando was favoured in Sri Lanka’s most recent Test match.
Sadeera Samarawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peries, and Vishwa Fernando did not make the squad. Nishan Madushka is also absent after a challenging tour in England, despite previously opening the innings successfully.
For Dinusha, his ability to bowl left-arm spin and an impressive 104 not out against Afghanistan A in his latest first-class match could make him a promising successor to Mathews. His all-round capabilities may give him an advantage, yet Pasindu Sooriyabandara, 25, and Pavan Rathnayake, 22, are considered as more established batsmen.
The batting order appears settled with Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Mendis forming the core, alongside a contest between Oshada and Udara for the opening spot.
Spin selections see Akila Dananjaya returning after nearly six years, driven by his recent domestic success, where he took 37 wickets in five matches. This resurgence might earn him a Test cap, but there’s also a chance for 29-year-old Tharindu Rathnayake to debut. Rathnayake, proficient in left-arm spin and right-arm off-breaks, adds depth with his batting and could be preferred over Dananjaya.
The squad also welcomes Isitha Wijesundara, who steps in following Lahiru Kumara’s injury. Asitha Fernando will head the pace attack, with Kasun Rajitha recalled after a promising county stint with Essex, and Milan Rathnayake completing the lineup.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (capt.), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara.
