Dhananjaya de Silva will captain Sri Lanka in the opening WTC Test in Galle, with Niroshan Dickwella set to return and two players in line for Test debuts.
COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have announced a 16-member squad for the opening Test of their ICC World Test Championship series against India, with the first match scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle.
Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the Sri Lankan side, while Kamindu Mendis has been appointed vice-captain as the hosts prepare for a crucial two-Test series.
Sri Lanka squad for first Test
Dhananjaya de Silva, Lahiru Udana, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.
Dickwella set for Test return
Niroshan Dickwella is in line to return to Test cricket after regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis was ruled out with an injury.
Dickwella last represented Sri Lanka in Test cricket against New Zealand in 2023. His return adds experience behind the stumps as Sri Lanka prepare to face a strong Indian side.
Experienced batter Pathum Nissanka will also miss the series as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.
Two players eye Test debuts
Sri Lanka have included domestic performers Pasindu Sooriyabandara and right-arm off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, both of whom could make their Test debuts against India.
Sooriyabandara earned his place after producing impressive performances in domestic cricket, while Nuwantha has built a strong record and could provide Sri Lanka with another spin option.
Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has also been recalled. He has played only one Test for Sri Lanka, against Pakistan in 2023, and his return adds variety to the pace attack.
Sri Lanka and India eye WTC points
Sri Lanka currently occupy sixth place in the ICC World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 41.67, having played four matches and won one.
India sit above Sri Lanka in fifth place, with a points percentage of 48.15 after nine Tests and four victories.
With both teams looking to improve their positions in the WTC standings, the two-Test series carries significant importance.
Sri Lanka vs India Test schedule
• First Test: August 15–19, Galle
• Second Test: August 23–27, Colombo
The opening Test in Galle will give Sri Lanka an opportunity to close the gap on India in the WTC standings, while India will look to strengthen their position with a strong series performance.