Injured Kusal Perera Included As Sri Lanka Name Test Squad Against England

Sri Lanka batsman Kusal Perera has made it to the squad for the 2-match Test series against England, despite a finger injury. The hosts have snubbed Lahiru Thirimanne from the side. Perera might not feature in the first Test as he is yet to recover fully.

Wanindu Hasaranga is also a part of the squad but due to the trouble with his left hamstring, the cricketer might miss out on action against the Three Lions. The Lankan unit is well dominated by spinners. The likes of Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embudleniya  and left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan will test the English batters.

SLC name 16 member Sri Lanka National squad to take part in the upcoming 2-match Test series vs England.#SLvENG https://t.co/1Dd7fa1tGs

— Sri Lanka Cricket ?? (@OfficialSLC) March 9, 2020

Apart from the exclusion of Thirimanne, Sri Lanka have retained the same team that won 1-0 against Zimbabwe, a couple of months back. Question marks are hovering over Perera, who has failed to buy runs since his miraculous knock against South Africa last year.  He didn’t find his mojo against New Zealand as he got a pair.

Sri Lanka to host England in a 2-match Test series

The first Test of the series will take place in Galle from March 19 onwards. England have a good record in the island nation in recent past. In 2018, The Three Lions had won all of the three Tests.

Sri Lanka’s new head coach Mickey Arthur has fired shots at the visitors. “It’s very hot here in Colombo right now and with a two-Test series you can’t ease yourself in, you have got to hit the first Test running,” Arthur told Observer. “England can expect some tough cricket.”

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Wanindu Hasaranga (injured, replacement to be named before first Test)