ENG vs SL: Sri Lanka announce playing for first Test, Milan Rathnayake to debut

After raising security concerns over riots in England, Sri Lanka landed in the United Kingdom for the three-match Test series. Ahead of the first Test on August 21 at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester, the visitors have announced their playing XI. Young pacer, Milan Rathnayake, is set to play his debut Test match as Dhananjaya de Silva will lead Sri Lanka for the first time in whites. 

Sri Lanka currently occupy the fourth spot in the World Test Championship 2023-2025 cycle points table. The Lankan Lions have played four games with two wins and as many losses. The England tour will be crucial for the islanders before hosting New Zealand for the two-test series in mid-September. Sri Lanka’s game time in Tests is a huge concern as they have played just nine Tests in the last two years compared to England’s whopping 21.  

Sri Lanka have been grappling with their bowling as none of the pacers carries a lethal badge on his chest. Moreover, the country which boasted an array of mystery spinners has been left finding for one over the years. Former Sri Lanka spinner, Rangana Herath termed Prabath Jayasuriya as his favorite, it would be interesting to see the spinner in action for the first time in England.

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Sri Lanka playing XI: 

Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake

Ben Stokes misses Test summer due to hamstring injury

Moreover, England will be without the services of their regular captain, Ben Stokes. The all-rounder tore his hamstring during The Hundred 2024 game. Ollie Pope will be leading the side in his absence and the visitors will like to capitalise on this shortcoming.

England Playing XI:

Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope (c), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir