SL vs AUS 2025: Ramesh Mendis added to Lankan squad to add spin prowess for second Test

After a disappointing loss in the first Test against Australia at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, Sri Lanka have speed-dialled all-rounder Ramesh Mendis in their squad for the second and final Test. It is likely that Mendis, who was originally not a part of the squad, will walk directly into the Playing XI for the second game of the series, and as a result, his result comes as a surprise.

The Aussie spinners absolutely dismantled the Lankan batting line-up, while Usman Khawaja's double hundred made a huge difference with the bat for the visiting side. As a result, Ramesh Mendis is expected to bolster the Lankan squad in both the departments, with his ability to spin the ball a fair bit, and also make handy contributions with the bat lower down the order.

Notably, the interesting addition made by the Dhananjaya de Silva-led side comes with collateral damages of its own, as the likes of Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Udana have made their way out of the 18-member squad.

Also Read: Sri Lanka vs Australia 2025: Match Preview, 2nd Test

The 29-year-old cricketer last played a Test match back in 2024 against New Zealand where he failed to deliver with both bat and ball and was eventually dropped from the team. However, Ramesh has made a comeback after some notable performances in First-Class cricket in the Major League Tournament. Mendis gave impressive performances during the tournament, taking 24 wickets at an average of 21.91 and scoring 260 runs at an average of 52.00 in the six innings he has played.  

Ramesh to come back from his abysmal series vs Australia in 2022 

This will also be a chance for redemption for Mendis from the last series he played against Australia which ended in a 1-1 draw. Mendis could only manage to take seven wickets in the series and had a terrible average of 40.85 and could only manage 51 runs. 

Speaking of his overall Test career, he has played 15 test matches, amassing 380 at an average of 18.09 with the highest score of 45, which he scored against Pakistan. With the ball, he has taken 69 wickets at an average of 30.65. He has a total of five fifers to his name with the best figures of 6/70.