SL vs NZ 2024: Sri Lanka announce playing XI for first Test

Sri Lanka announced their playing XI for the first Test against New Zealand, which will begin on September 18 and will be played in Galle. After an excellent time with the bat in England, Kamindu Mendis has been promoted in the batting order and will now feature at number five. Kusal Mendis, who used to bat at number three for Sri Lanka in Test cricket has been demoted to number seven and is likely to be used as an aggressive batter down the order.

Youngster Kamindu has played six Test matches and has scored 695 runs at an average of 77.22. In the three-match series against England, the 25-year-old made 267 runs in five matches, which includes a century in the opening Test in Manchester. After his half-century in the third match, interim head coach Sanath Jayasuriya confirmed that the team management was considering sending up in the order, and the New Zealand series is the start of the same.

Also Read: Captain Tim Southee pleased with New Zealand’s balance for Sri Lanka challenge

On the other hand, Mendis has never batted below number five in Test cricket. Playing with the tailenders requires special strategies and that is one area that the cricketer needs to keep in mind. It’s an advantage for him to be playing at home in his new position but it is going to be a tough ask.

Sri Lanka's middle order

Meanwhile, Dinesh Chandimal has been promoted to number three. He hit two half-centuries in the series against England and the team management now deems him fit to carry more responsibility. Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews has been promoted to number four, followed by Kamindu. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will bat at number six.

Also Read: Captain Tim Southee pleased with New Zealand’s balance for Sri Lanka challenge

Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando have been picked as the bowling attack for the Galle fixture. Jayasuriya, who was benched in the third Test against England at The Kennington Oval, made his return to the playing XI and will be assisted by Ramesh Mendis, who played his last Test against Pakistan in 2023.

Sri Lanka Playing XI vs New Zealand for first Test at Galle:

Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.