SL vs PAK: Pathum Nissanka Joins Sri Lanka Squad For Second Test Post Covid-19 Recovery

Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka has been added to the Test squad for the second Test against Pakistan, as announced by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Thursday.

The right-handed batter was diagnosed with Covid-19 through an Antigen test in the midway of the second Test against Australia in Galle. He also missed the first Test against Pakistan with his replacement Oshada Fernando making the best of the given opportunity.

Pathum Nissanka, and Lakshitha Manasinghe were added to the squad for the 2nd Test

Sri Lanka spinner Maheesh Theekshana on Thursday was ruled out of the second Test because of a finger injury. 22-year-old spinner Lakshitha Manasinghe has been added to the squad as a replacement for Theekshana.

Manasinghe, who plays for Sinhalese Sports Club at present, has picked up 73 wickets in 17 first-class games at an average of 26.38 including six five-wicket hauls.

He featured for the Sri Lanka A team in the two warm-up games against Australia A team and snapped 13 wickets. Manasinghe can also contribute with the bat in the lower middle order as he has five fifties to his name in first-class cricket.

Manasinghe, who has also played for Lankan Cricket Club and Negombo Cricket Club, is likely to make his Test debut after the second match was moved back to Galle from the national capital Colombo.

Pakistan lead 1-0; Sri Lanka plan to bounce back

Sri Lanka aims to square the series after going down in the first Test despite setting a competitive target of 342 in the second innings.

Pakistan rode on the excellence of opener Abdullah Shafique who resisted to give up his wicket against Sri Lanka’s spin troika of Theekshana, Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis.

Shafique notched up his second Test hundred and bettered his 136* against Australia in Rawalpindi. He remained unbeaten on 160 as Pakistan sealed the first Test by five wickets to record their second highest chase in the format.

The second Test between the two sides will begin on July 24 at Galle International Stadium.

Also Read: SL vs PAK: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2nd Test Moved To Galle Due To The Political Unrest In Colombo