Sri Lanka has finalized a 16-man squad for the opening Test against India, scheduled to begin on August 15 in Galle. The roster features the return of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, who has not appeared in a Test match since March 2023. He steps into the side to replace Kusal Mendis, who is unavailable due to a hamstring injury. The team will also be without Pathum Nissanka, who is currently sidelined with a wrist issue.
The squad includes two uncapped players: offspinner Keshara Nuwantha and top-order batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara. Both athletes recently participated in the three-day warm-up match against India at the NCC Ground in Colombo. Nuwantha demonstrated strong form by claiming three wickets across two innings, including the dismissals of KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. He also recently secured a five-wicket haul against India A in Galle. Sooriyabandara, batting at number three during the practice fixture, recorded scores of 35 and 4.
Dilshan Madushanka, who earned his sole Test cap in 2023, has also been recalled to the squad. Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, with Kamindu Mendis serving as his deputy.
Also returning to the fold is Dilshan Madushanka, who has only one Test cap from 2023.
3 in the practice match, had scores of 35 and 4.
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