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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has on Tuesday (October 13) announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan. The SLC selectors have handed the maiden Test call-up to the young wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara for the Pakistan series.
Sri Lanka and Pakistan will face each other in a two-match Test series that is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 cycle. The first Test will begin on November 9 in Rawalpindi. Amid this, ICC punishes 2 West Indies stars after Ranchi T20I incidents in historic win.
Kusal Mendis to Lead Sri Lanka in Pakistan Tests
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed the 15-member squad on October 13 for the upcoming Test series against the Pakistan National Cricket Team. Kusal Mendis has been named captain for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan following Dhananjaya de Silva’s resignation.
Mendis is now Sri Lanka’s captain across the format. The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara selection is one of the biggest talking points from the announcement. Bandara has earned his maiden Test call-up after impressing with his performances for the Sri Lanka Emerging team.
He has also built an excellent first-class record, scoring 2,217 runs in 30 matches at an average of 67.18 and a strike rate of 55.54. Bandara has smashed seven centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 200, making him an exciting talent for Sri Lanka. Amid this, BCCI president Mithun Manhas gives update on Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma’s future.
Pathum Nissanka's availability depends on fitness
However, Pathum Nissanka’s availability is in doubt, as he will travel with the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team only if declared medically fit. Nissanka is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that he aggravated during Sri Lanka's limited-overs tour of England last month.
The Sri Lankan batter already missed the three-match T20I series against Pakistan because of the injury as he continues to work on his fitness. The SLC said in an official statement, “Pathum Nissanka will only travel with the team if he is declared medically fit.”
The batting line-up includes Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, and Dhananjaya de Silva. Sonal Dinusha adds an all-round option.
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige dropped from Test squads
Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha will lead the spin attack, while Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayaka, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga complete the pace attack. Madushanka returned to the Test squad after three years.
Malinga, who has been playing regular white-ball cricket for Sri Lanka, has received his maiden Test call-up. The 22-year-old pacer has taken 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15.
However, Sri Lanka has also made some changes to their squad, dropping openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara. Both batters featured in the second Test against India in Colombo. All-rounder Sahan Arachchige has also been left out after receiving a call-up for that match.
Sri Lanka squad for the Pakistan Test series:
Pathum Nissanka*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (C), Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga
