Sri Lanka have unveiled an 18-man squad to face Australia in the final series of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. The two-match Warne-Murali Test Series, set to take place at the iconic Galle International Cricket Stadium, promises to be a critical showdown as Sri Lanka eyes a potential leap in the standings.
The squad includes key players Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka, all of whom were injury concerns leading up to the series. While Nissanka’s ongoing groin injury makes him the least likely to feature, selectors have ensured depth by naming a large squad to cover all eventualities. With just five days until the first Test, Sri Lanka appears prepared to take on the reigning World Test Champions.
Two uncapped players, Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha, are also in contention to make their Test debuts, adding a sense of excitement and opportunity to the team. The experienced trio of Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Kusal Mendis will provide leadership and stability to the lineup, alongside captain Dhananjaya de Silva.
Both Tests will be played in Galle, marking the conclusion of the qualification phase of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. While Australia has already secured their spot in the final against South Africa, Sri Lanka currently sits fifth in the standings. A strong performance in this series could see them overtake New Zealand and possibly even India, keeping their hopes alive for a higher finish.
Australia, meanwhile, will be without captain Pat Cummins due to an ankle injury but have been boosted by the return of stand-in skipper Steve Smith. Smith’s recovery from an elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash is a significant boost for the visitors as they prepare for this series and the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka Test Squad
Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.
Fixtures:
1st Test: 29th January-2nd February 2025, Galle
2nd Test: 6th-10th February 2025, Galle
1st ODI: 12th February 2025, Galle
2nd ODI: 14th February 2025, Venue TBC