Colombo Test: Sri Lanka drafts Mishara, Arachchige into squad amid injury concerns
Squad Changes for Colombo Test
Sri Lanka has announced significant changes to its Test squad for the upcoming second match against India in Colombo. Batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige have been called up as replacements for the crucial encounter, which is set to begin on August 23. These additions come after Sri Lanka’s 165-run defeat in the opening ICC World Test Championship series match held in Galle.
The decision to bring in Mishara and Arachchige reflects the team’s need to bolster its lineup, particularly in the batting department. Both players are uncapped at the Test level but have demonstrated strong form recently. Arachchige, an off-spin all-rounder, was a standout performer while captaining Sri Lanka A against India A, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in that series with 209 runs. Mishara, a top-order batter, has also been in excellent form on the domestic circuit.
The call-ups are a direct response to a growing injury crisis within the Sri Lankan squad. Head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that the team will be without several key players for the second Test, creating substantial gaps that Mishara and Arachchige are expected to help fill. The team is looking for a victory in Colombo to level the two-match series.
Injury Concerns and Player Absences
Sri Lanka faces considerable challenges due to the unavailability of key batters. Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Pathum Nissanka have all been ruled out of the second Test. Mendis is currently sidelined with a severe hamstring issue, which Kirsten described as a “proper hamstring injury,” indicating he will be out for some time. His absence is a significant blow to the team’s batting strength.
Chandimal’s exclusion stems from a concussion he sustained on the fourth day of the first Test in Galle. Under concussion protocols, he is mandated to observe a minimum seven-day stand-down period, making him unavailable for the Colombo match. Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who served as a concussion substitute for Chandimal in the first Test, will remain with the squad for the second Test.
Nissanka is also unavailable as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery. The absence of these three first-choice batters means that Mishara and Arachchige could potentially feature in the final playing XI, as Sri Lanka aims to secure a much-needed win. The team’s current position in the World Test Championship standings is sixth, with a points percentage of 33.33%, while India is placed fifth with 53.33%.
Revised Squad for the Second Test
The revised Sri Lanka squad for the second Test against India includes a mix of experienced players and new faces. The team will be led by captain Dhananjaya de Silva. The full squad comprises:
- Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
- Lahiru Udara
- Kamil Mishara
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain)
- Sahan Arachchige
- Sonal Dinusha
- Niroshan Dickwella
- Keshara Nuwantha
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Milan Ratnayake
- Lahiru Kumara
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
This squad selection highlights the challenges the team faces and their strategic adjustments to overcome the injuries. The inclusion of Mishara and Arachchige is a direct attempt to compensate for the loss of key batting talent and to bring fresh energy to the side as they seek to level the series.
The second Test is a must-win situation for Sri Lanka to draw the series after their loss in Galle. The team will be looking to their new additions and existing squad members to deliver strong performances starting on August 23.
The team’s performance in Colombo will be crucial for their standing in the ICC World Test Championship, where they are currently trailing India. The match begins on August 23.
Source: icc-cricket.com
