The Sri Lankan selectors have decided to test the young guns in the home series after Dimuth Karunaratne’s retirement, and now the veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews is also set to hang up his boots from Test cricket with the Bangladesh series.
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However, Oshada Fernando, who played in Sri Lanka’s last Test match, is also in the mix for the opening role. Sonal Dinusha, who is a left-arm spinner and handy lower-order batter, made a strong case for selection with a recent 104* against Afghanistan A.
Sonal Dinusha to take Angelo Mathews' spot after his retirement
Meanwhile, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peries, and Vishwa Fernando have been ignored for the upcoming Test series opener against the Tigers. Another surprise exclusion was Nishan Madushka, who was dropped from the Test side after a tough series in England.
Despite the changes, Sri Lanka’s top order looks strong with Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Mendis being till the seventh spot. There will be a battle between Udara and Oshada for the opening spot.
However, the uncapped left-arm spinner Tharindu Rathnayake might get the nod ahead of Dananjaya. The 29-year-old ambidextrous spinner has been impressive with both Sri Lanka A and in domestic cricket. While his left-arm spin is his main strength, he also bowls tidy right-arm off-breaks and contributes with the bat as well.
Isitha Wijesundara has been added to the squad after Lahiru Kumara was ruled out of the first Test in Galle with an injury. Well, Asitha Fernando will lead the pace attack, and he will be supported by Kasun Rajitha, who returned to the squad after an impressive stint with Essex, and Milan Rathnayake.
Sri Lanka squad for the first Test against Bangladesh:
Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Kusal Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara.
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