Sri Lanka has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia, set to begin on January 29. The team, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, features two uncapped players, Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha, offering fresh prospects for the home side.
Key players Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka have been included despite concerns over their fitness ahead of the Warne-Murali Test Series. Nissanka’s availability remains uncertain due to a persistent groin injury, making him the least likely to participate in the opening Test. To address these uncertainties, the Sri Lankan selectors opted for a large 18-member squad to provide adequate coverage.
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The inclusion of uncapped players Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha has added intrigue to the lineup. Both players are vying for an opportunity to make their Test debuts, a decision that could shape the future of Sri Lankan cricket.
Both Tests will be hosted in Galle and will serve as the final matches in the qualification phase of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. While Australia has already secured a spot in the WTC final against South Africa in June, Sri Lanka sits fifth in the table, just above England. A successful series could propel Sri Lanka past New Zealand and potentially India in the standings, enhancing their championship aspirations.
The Australian team will be without their regular captain, Pat Cummins, who is sidelined with an ankle injury. However, the visitors have been boosted by the return of Steve Smith, who will serve as stand-in skipper. Smith had initially been feared out of action due to an elbow injury sustained during the Big Bash but has been declared fit for the Sri Lanka series and the subsequent Champions Trophy campaign.
Sri Lanka Test Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (C), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.
Fixtures:
- 1st Test, January 29-February 2, 2025, Galle
- 2nd Test, February 6-10, 2025, Galle
- 1st ODI, February 12, 2025, Galle
- 2nd ODI, February 14 2025, TBC.
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