Nissanka Blow: Lahiru Udara Replaces Injured Star for Pakistan Tests
Sri Lanka suffer a blow as Pathum Nissanka is ruled out of the Pakistan Test series. Lahiru Udara joins the squad as his replacement.
Sri Lanka has faced a significant blow to its batting lineup ahead of the crucial ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan. Star batter Pathum Nissanka has been officially ruled out of the upcoming tour as he continues to struggle with an injury that has hampered his return to the field.
Injury Woes Persist for Nissanka
Nissanka had been tentatively included in the initial Test squad, with his participation contingent upon receiving fitness clearance. However, the batter has failed to reach full match fitness in time for the tour of Pakistan. This injury has been a recurring theme recently, as it also forced him to miss Sri Lanka's white-ball commitments in Pakistan, including the T20I series and the ODI tri-series featuring England.
Lahiru Udara Steps In
To fill the void left by Nissanka, the selectors have drafted in Lahiru Udara. The wicketkeeper-batter is no stranger to the high-pressure environment of the longer format, having previously represented the island nation in both Test and T20I cricket. Udara brings a strong record to the squad, most notably his career-best score of 188 achieved during the World Test Championship series against the West Indies earlier in 2026.
Udara joins the Test setup after already being part of the ODI squad for the recent tournament, where Sri Lanka made history by completing the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history against England.
The Road Ahead in Pakistan
Led by captain Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan side is preparing for a challenging two-match series. The campaign kicks off on November 9 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test in Lahore, which is scheduled to begin on November 17.
Sri Lanka's Full Test Squad:
- Kusal Mendis (Captain)
- Anjala Bandara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Dhananjaya De Silva
- Sonal Dinusha
- Asitha Fernando
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Lahiru Kumara
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Eshan Malinga
- Kamindu Mendis
- Keshara Nuwantha
- Milan Rathnayaka
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Lahiru Udara