Sri Lanka name 18-member squad for first test against Bangladesh

The two-match test series will begin the new ICC WTC cycle for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

The 18-man Sri Lankan squad for the first test match against Bangladesh, which is set to take place at the Galle International Stadium, was formally confirmed on June 15.

Sri Lanka’s campaign in the next ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for 2025–2027 will begin with this test series. This is an important time for the squad as they try to gain momentum and raise their ranking in the game’s longest format.

Captain Dhananjaya de Silva leads the team and contributes leadership and expertise. The squad also includes a number of talented rookies who are keen to establish themselves on the global scene, particularly in home conditions that are renowned for encouraging spin and strategic play.

Angelo Mathews’ last test for Sri Lanka

The imminent retirement of former captain Angelo Mathews from red-ball cricket is one of the most important plot points surrounding this test. It is scheduled that Mathews, who began his test career at Galle in 2009, will conclude his remarkable career at the same location.

Dimuth Karunaratne, who retired at Galle following the second test match against Australia in February 2025, is followed by the 37-year-old. Young cricket players in Sri Lanka will look forward to Mathews’ legacy as he departs, marking the end of an era.

New faces included in Sri Lanka side

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara are among the newcomers chosen; they are all expected to make their test debuts for Sri Lanka. These young players are Sri Lankan cricket’s future, and they will be eager to make an impression on both selectors and supporters with their performances.

As a result of the selectors’ continued belief in their abilities, players like Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha, who made their Test debuts during Sri Lanka’s most recent red-ball series against Australia, have kept their places in the team.

Experienced athletes like seamer Lahiru Kumara are also part of the team. Sadly, Kumara’s injury will keep him out of the first test, but he should be back later in the series to give the bowling attack speed and experience.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara.

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