Kusal Mendis to lead, Madushanka and Malinga called up for Pakistan Tests
Sri Lanka announces 15-member squad for Pakistan Tests with Kusal Mendis as captain. Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga earn call-ups.
Sri Lanka has officially unveiled its 15-member squad for the high-stakes ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan. The Asian side is set to embark on a challenging tour of Pakistan starting November 9, with two crucial Test matches scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore.
Mendis Takes Charge as Squad Sees Key Returns
Kusal Mendis has been handed the captaincy for this tour, leading a side that features several significant changes and returns. In a boost for the batting lineup, experienced campaigner Pathum Nissanka has been included in the touring party. His availability for the first Test remains subject to him regaining full fitness following a wrist injury that sidelined him during India's tour of Sri Lanka in August.
The squad also sees the return of Dilshan Madushanka to the Test fold, alongside the inclusion of Eshan Malinga. However, the selection has sparked debate as some recent performers have been overlooked. Despite a massive 188 against the West Indies in June, opener Lahiru Udara has failed to make the cut, and wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella also finds himself excluded from the traveling party.
Rising Star Anjala Bandara Earns Call-up
One of the most intriguing inclusions is the uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara. The 22-year-old arrives with a formidable first-class record, having amassed 2,239 runs in 46 innings at a staggering average of 65.85. His domestic prowess, highlighted by seven centuries and seven fifties, including an unbeaten 200, makes him a significant prospect for the Sri Lankan side.
WTC Standings: A Battle for Redemption
The upcoming series carries immense weight for both nations in the World Test Championship standings. Sri Lanka currently sits in seventh place with a points percentage of 33.33, following a record of one win, two losses, and three draws. Their recent home series against India ended in a 1-0 defeat, though they managed to avoid a clean sweep in the second Test thanks to impressive twin centuries from Sonal Dinusha.
Pakistan, conversely, finds itself at the bottom of the table with a points percentage of just 4.63. Their recent form has been underwhelming, marked by a heavy 0-3 whitewash at the hands of England in the United Kingdom. For Sri Lanka, the tour offers a vital opportunity to climb the standings and recover from their recent setbacks.
Full Sri Lanka Squad for Pakistan Tests:
- Kusal Mendis (Captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Sonal Dinusha
- Dhananjaya De Silva
- Anjala Bandara
- Keshara Nuwantha
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Milan Rathnayaka
- Lahiru Kumara
- Asitha Fernando
- Dilshan Madushanka
- Eshan Malinga