SL vs IND: Sri Lanka announce squad for 1st Test; Kusal Mendis & Pathum Nissanka ruled out
Dhananjaya de Silva will lead Sri Lanka in the Test series.
Sri Lanka are geared up to host India (SL vs IND) for a two-match Test series starting August 15. The first Test will be played at Galle International Stadium. Moreover, the second Test is scheduled to start on August 23 at SSC Cricket Ground in Colombo.
The last time Men in Blue travelled to Sri Lanka for a Test series was in 2017, where the visitors emerged victorious in all three matches. Since 2009, India are yet to lose a red-ball series against them.
Shubman Gill and Co. played a 3-day warm-up game before the actual showdown. India look to have a new No. 3, Devdutt Padikkal, in place of injured Sai Sudharsan. Meanwhile, Sarfaraz Khan has earned a comeback to the side. Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi received their maiden Test call-ups.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka are also facing injury hurdles. Their key wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis is battling a hamstring injury and has been replaced by Niroshan Dickwella. Niroshan earned a comeback into the Test side after three years and will be taking the gloves.
Nishan Madushka will be key for the batting line-up, especially after his twin fifties in the recent warm-up game, scoring 66 and 63. Keshara Nuwantha earned his maiden Test call-up to the side. Notably, Kamindu Mendis is named the vice-captain.
The pace department includes Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake, and Dilshan Madushanka. Meanwhile, Prabhat Jayasuriya will lead the spin attack alongside Ramesh Mendis and Nuwantha.
Sri Lanka are entering this series after a 1-0 loss against West Indies. However, there were some positive signs in terms of individual performance. India have been facing issues against spinners, and this could be Sri Lanka’s chance to capitalise.
Grappling with injuries to some senior players, Sri Lanka have announced their squad for the first Test against India.
Sri Lanka squad for the 1st Test against India
Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (VC), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
When will the SL vs IND Test series begin?
The SL vs IND Test series will begin on August 15.
Who is the captain of the Sri Lankan Test team?
Dhananjaya de Silva is the captain of the Sri Lankan Test team.
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Cricket runs in the blood of Indians — and that’s something she truly believes in. A law student with a lifelong connection to the game, she has followed cricket passionately since his school days. Like countless young fans, she first experienced the sport on the field before deepening his understanding through constant watching, reading, and conversations around the game. Writing became a natural extension of that passion, bringing a “Pavilion Perspective” to his work — capturing how fans experience matches through their own lens.