Sri Lanka have announced a fresh-looking 18-member squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on June 17 in Galle. The squad features six uncapped players, which shows Sri Lankan cricket is ready for a new chapter in the traditional format of the game.
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.
Among the newcomers named in the squad for the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which will be played under the ICC’s new rules, opening batter Lahiru Udara and spin-bowling all-rounder Sonal Dinusha were earlier part of Sri Lanka’s tour to Australia, but they are yet to earn their Test caps.
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Lahiru Udara, who is a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper, is likely to take the opening spot left vacant by Karunaratne. He has performed consistently in domestic cricket over the years and even played a sole T20I for the Islanders. The 31-year-old has 7305 runs in 105 first-class matches to his name.
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
Dinusha is seen as a long-term replacement for Angelo Mathews due to his all-around abilities. However, young talents like Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Pavan Rathnayake are also pushing for spots with their strong batting performances in domestic cricket.
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.
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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.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s spin attack for the first Test against Bangladesh is a mix of experience and fresh talent. Akila Dananjaya was recalled to the Test side after almost six years on the back of sensational form in domestic cricket, where he took 37 wickets in his last five first-class matches.
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.
Rathnayake has so far taken 337 wickets in just 73 first-class matches and scored 1761 runs with the highest score of 86. His numbers will certainly force Sri Lanka to go ahead with the spin all-rounder over Akila Dananjaya against the Bangladesh side.
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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