Sri Lanka announces 18-man squad for 2-Test series against India

Sri Lanka on Friday announced an 18-man Test squad for the upcoming 2-match series against India. The two teams will play the first Test in Mohali from March 5 and the 2nd, a pink-ball Test, in Bengaluru from March 12.

The Sri Lanka Cricket Board also announced replacements for injured spinner Maheesh Theekshana and batter Kusal Mendis for the ongoing T20I series against India. Niroshan Dickwella and Dhananjaya De Silva have been drafted into the T20I squad, the SLC said. SLC said Theekshna and Mendis suffered a hamstring injury during their tour of Australia earlier this month where they lost a 5-match series 1-4.

Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out of the T20I series after extended Covid-19 isolation in Australia, will return to Sri Lanka, the board confirmed.

"Maheesh Theekshana will return home, whilst Wanindu Hasaranga also will return home from Australia," the SLC added.

Meanwhile, Dimuth Karunaratne will lead Sri Lanka in the Test



series while Dhananjaya de Silva will be his deputy. Kusal Mendis has been added to the squad but his availability will be subject to fitness.

Sri Lanka Test squad for India series:

Dimuth Karunaratne Captain

Pathum Nissanka

Lahiru Thirimanne

Dhananjaya de Silva Vice-Captain

Kusal Mendis subject to fitness

Angelo Mathews

Dinesh Chandimal

Charith Asalanka

Niroshan Dickwella

Chamika Karunaratne

Ramesh Mendis will not take part due to an injury

Lahiru Kumara

Suranga Lakmal

Dushmantha Chameera

Vishwa Fernando

Jeffrey Vandersay

Praveen Jayawickrema

Lasith Embuldeniya

Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal returns to the Test squad and he will partner the likes of Dushmantha Chameera and Vishwa Fernando. In Lasith Embuldeniya, Jeffrey Vandersay and Praveen Jayawickrema, Sri Lanka have a potent spin attack for the Test series.