Wanindu Hasaranga comes out of test retirement; Included in Sri Lanka squad for Bangladesh tests

Wanindu Hasaranga had taken retirement from test cricket in August 2023 to focus on white-ball cricket.

In a big boost for the Sri Lankan cricket team, their star spin bowling all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has come out of test retirement. The 26-year-old retired from tests on August 15, 2023 to focus more on white-ball cricket and franchise cricket. However, since his retirement call, Sri Lanka have played only one test match.

The white-ball leg of Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh concluded recently with the visitors winning the T20I series 2-1, while the hosts won the ODI series 2-1. Following conclusion of the white-ball leg, both the teams will now engage in a two-match test series, which will be played from March 22 to April 3.

Wanindu Hasaranga named in Sri Lanka squad for Bangladesh tests

Wanindu Hasaranga has been named in the 17-member Sri Lankan squad for the two-match test series which will begin on March 22, 2024. The series will be part of ICC World Test Championship 2023-25, where Sri Lanka are yet to open their account.

The squad will be led by recently appointed new captain of the test side Dhananjaya de Silva, while Kusal Mendis will be his deputy. Veteran players like Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal have also found their place in the squad.

Sri Lanka squad for Bangladesh tests:

Dhananjaya De Silva (C), Kusal Mendis (Vc), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Wanindu Hasaranga, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Nishan Peiris, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Chamika Gunasekara.

Wanindu Hasaranga to miss first few encounters for SRH in IPL 2024

Hasaranga will also miss a few games of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season for his franchise, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). SRH bought Hasaranga at his base price of 1.5 crores in the IPL 2024 mini-auction in December 2023.

SRH will open their IPL 2024 campaign against two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders on March 23, followed by a clash against five-time champions Mumbai Indians on March 27. Their third match will be on March 31 against Gujarat Titans. Their fourth match of the season will be against Chennai Super Kings on April 5, two days after conclusion of Sri Lanka’s tour of Bangladesh, in which we might see Hasaranga make his debut for SRH.

Also Read: IPL 2024: KL Rahul to bat in middle-order and keep wickets for LSG in bid to make it to T20WC squad – Reports

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