Galle Test: Sri Lanka announces squad for India series opener
Sri Lanka Cricket has revealed its 16-member squad for the first Test against India, which is scheduled to commence on August 15 in Galle. The series is a significant part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
Dhananjaya De Silva will lead the squad, with Kamindu Mendis serving as his deputy. The team sees the return of experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella and left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka.
Squad Additions and Returns
Niroshan Dickwella is set to make his return to Test cricket, filling the wicketkeeper role due to the absence of regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who has been ruled out with an injury. Dickwella last played for Sri Lanka in this format against New Zealand in 2023.
Alongside Kusal Mendis, experienced batter Pathum Nissanka will also miss the match as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery. His absence creates an opportunity for other players in the batting lineup.
Batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara has been included in the squad and could be in contention for his Test debut. He has shown impressive form in domestic cricket, making him a potential new face in the Test arena.
Another young talent, right-arm off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, is also in the mix for a potential Test debut. Nuwantha has built a strong record in domestic cricket, which has earned him a spot in the national squad.
Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has been recalled to the squad. His last Test appearance was in 2023 against Pakistan. His return is expected to add more strength and variety to Sri Lanka’s pace attack.
Team Composition and Standings
The batting lineup for the upcoming Test includes Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha. These players will be crucial in setting competitive totals.
The squad features three specialist spinners: Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Keshara Nuwantha. Their performance will be vital, especially on the spinning tracks typically found in Sri Lanka.
The pace attack is bolstered by the return of Dilshan Madushanka and includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Vishwa Fernando. This combination aims to provide a strong challenge to the Indian batting order.
Sri Lanka currently holds the sixth position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, with a points percentage of 41.67. They have played four matches and secured one victory in the championship cycle.
India is positioned just above Sri Lanka in fifth place in the standings. They have a points percentage of 48.15, having played nine Tests and achieved four victories in the current cycle.
Upcoming Fixtures
The first Test of the series is scheduled to take place from August 15-19 in Galle. This match will be a critical encounter for both teams as they look to improve their positions in the World Test Championship standings.
Following the opening match, the second Test is slated to be held from August 23-27 in Colombo. The series promises to be an engaging contest between the two cricketing nations.
The full Sri Lanka squad for the first Test against India includes:
- Dhananjaya De Silva (captain)
- Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain)
- Lahiru Udara
- Nishan Madushka
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Sonal Dinusha
- Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper)
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Keshara Nuwantha
- Milan Rathnayake
- Asitha Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
- Vishwa Fernando
- Dilshan Madushanka
The first Test is set to begin on August 15 in Galle.
Source: icc-cricket.com
