Sri Lanka Announces Squad for Test Series Against England
Sri Lanka has unveiled an 18-member squad led by Dhananjaya de Silva for the upcoming three-match Test series against England. The team includes two uncapped players, Nisala Tharaka and Milan Rathnayake, along with the return of Jeffrey Vandersay to the longest format of the game.
The Squad Composition
Vandersay, who made a solitary Test appearance in 2022 and recently impressed with a six-wicket haul against India in the second ODI, has been brought back into the squad for his legbreak skills, which could prove valuable in English conditions. He replaces Wanindu Hasaranga, who came out of Test retirement for Sri Lanka’s previous series against Bangladesh earlier this year.
Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis provide additional spin options for Sri Lanka alongside skipper de Silva. Tharaka and Rathnayake, experienced pacers in the domestic circuit, will support the pace attack consisting of Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha.
The batting line-up remains familiar with openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka leading the charge, followed by Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Dhananjaya. All-rounder Kamindu Mendis adds versatility with his ambidextrous bowling skills.
Upcoming Test Matches
The first Test between Sri Lanka and England is scheduled to take place in Manchester starting from August 21. This will be followed by the second Test at Lord’s commencing on August 29, with the final Test set to happen at The Oval on September 6.
Full Sri Lanka Squad for England Tests
- Dhananjaya De Silva (c)
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Nishan Madushka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (vc)
- Angelo Mathews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
- Kasun Rajitha
- Lahiru Kumara
- Nisala Tharaka
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Ramesh Mendis
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Milan Rathnayake
Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the action-packed Test series between Sri Lanka and England, with both teams gearing up for what promises to be an exciting showdown on the cricket field.
Excitement Builds for Sri Lanka’s Test Series Against England
Sri Lanka’s cricket team has generated buzz with the announcement of their 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match Test series against England. Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, the squad boasts a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers ready to take on the challenges ahead.
Introduction of New Talent
Among the notable inclusions in the squad are the uncapped players Nisala Tharaka and Milan Rathnayake. With their impressive performances in domestic cricket, these young talents have earned a spot in the national team and will be looking to make a mark on the international stage.
Jeffrey Vandersay’s return to the Test format adds depth to the squad’s bowling department. Known for his legbreak skills, Vandersay’s recent performance against India in the ODI series showcased his potential to be a key player in English conditions. His inclusion comes at the expense of Wanindu Hasaranga, who had briefly come out of Test retirement for the previous series against Bangladesh.
Strength in Spin and Pace Bowling
The squad features a balanced mix of spin and pace bowlers to tackle the challenges posed by English pitches. Alongside Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis provide additional spin options to complement skipper de Silva. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha, with Tharaka and Rathnayake adding depth to the bowling lineup.
With an experienced batting order led by openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka, Sri Lanka will look to establish a strong foundation in each Test match. The middle order, consisting of Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and de Silva, provides stability and firepower to the team’s batting lineup. All-rounder Kamindu Mendis brings versatility with his ambidextrous bowling skills, adding an extra dimension to the team’s strategy.
Mark Your Calendars
Cricket enthusiasts have marked their calendars for the exciting Test series between Sri Lanka and England. The first Test is set to kick off in Manchester on August 21, followed by the second Test at Lord’s starting on August 29. The series will conclude with the final Test match at The Oval on September 6, promising thrilling cricket action for fans around the world.
Full Squad List for Sri Lanka’s England Tests
- Dhananjaya De Silva (c)
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Nishan Madushka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (vc)
- Angelo Mathews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
- Kasun Rajitha
- Lahiru Kumara
- Nisala Tharaka
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Ramesh Mendis
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Milan Rathnayake
As the anticipation builds for the Test series, cricket fans are looking forward to witnessing the competitive spirit, skill, and sportsmanship displayed by both Sri Lanka and England. With a talented squad and a hunger for victory, Sri Lanka is ready to take on the challenge and showcase their cricketing prowess on the international stage.