Colombo, Jan 31, 8.50PM – In preparations for the upcoming one-off Test match against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has introduced two new and promising bowlers into their 16-man Test squad. The match is set to kick off on Friday at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).
The debutants in the squad are Milan Rathanayake and Chamika Gunasekera, both uncapped players. The team will be under the leadership of Dhananjaya de Silva for this Test match.
Milan Rathanayake, a 27-year-old right-arm medium paceman representing Moors Sports Club, is making his mark in the national squad. Notably, he is a former cricketer of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College in Kurunegala, possibly the first player from the college to be included in a national team.
Joining the pace battery alongside experienced names like Kasun Rajitha, left-arm Vishwa Fernando, and right-arm Asitha Fernando, is the 24-year-old Chamika Gunasekara from Nondescripts Cricket Club. He is a former cricketer from Ananda College, adding depth to the bowling lineup with the inclusion of the rookie right-arm bowler Milan Rathnayake.
The batting lineup will be led by Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka, with vice-captain Kusal Mendis. The middle order boasts the presence of Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, and Kamindu Mendis.
The spin department, guided by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, features the inclusion of Ramesh Mendis, the off-spinner. Wicket-keeper batsman Lahiru Udara has also earned a spot in the squad.
Sri Lanka Test Squad:
- Dhananjaya de Silva (captain-CCC)
- Kusal Mendis (vice-captain-SSC)
- Dimuth Karunaratne (SSC)
- Nishan Madushkha (Ragama CC)
- Sadeera Samarawickrama (Colts)
- Dinesh Chandimal (SL Army SC)
- Angelo Mathews (Colts)
- Ramesh Mendis (Tamil Union)
- Asitha Fernando (CCC)
- Vishwa Fernando (CCC)
- Kasun Rajitha (SSC)
- Kamindu Mendis (CCC)
- Prabath Jayasuriya (SSC)
- Lahiru Udara (NCC)
- Chamika Gunasekara (NCC)
- Milan Rathnayake (Moors SC)
