Sri Lanka Announce Test Squad For Pakistan Series, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal Returns

Sri Lanka Cricket Team have named a heavyweight squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan. Test cricket will return to the country for the first time since the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lank team bus. The Islanders will play a two-match Test series as a part of the ICC World Test Championship starting from December 11.

The last time Pakistan played a Test at home was in March 2009 against Sri Lanka – the series that was marred by the terrorist attack on the visitors’ team bus. Since then, Pakistan have played all their home games in the United Arab Emirates with international teams refusing to visit the country. But Sri Lanka have started to break the myth by being the first team to tour the country for a limited-overs series recently.

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Sri Lanka include Chandimal, Mathews

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have added all their strength for the high-profile series. Dinesh Chandimal, who didn’t get a game during the New Zealand series has retained his place in the playing XI. Skipper Dimuth Karunartne, who refused to tour during the ODI and T20I series will lead the team in the two-match series. Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews has also found a place in the squad.

Sri Lanka will leave on December 8 for the Test series. The first Test will start on December 11 at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, followed by the second in Karachi at the National Stadium from December 19.

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Sri Lanka’s Test squad for Pakistan series:

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan