Sri Lanka announces squad for Test series against Ireland

As Sri Lanka gear up for their two-match Test series against Ireland, which is scheduled to begin on April 16, the side recently came forward to announce the squad that will be in action in the first Test.

The first game of the two-match series is scheduled to commence on April 16. The game will be played at the Galle International Stadium in Galle, and the Andrew Balbirnie-led Ireland will have a mountain to climb as they take on a relatively stronger Sri Lanka lineup.

Following the latest announcement, keeper-batter Sadeera Samarawickrama makes his way back into the lineup after a six-year break. The 27-year-old played his last Test match in 2017, and he could be taking the gloves against Ireland as Niroshan Dickwella has been dropped from the side for the first Test. Oshada Fernando also saw himself getting dropped from the team after featuring in the recent tour of New Zealand. Meanwhile, 28-year-old Dushan Hemantha has earned a maiden call-up to the national side.

Dimuth Karunaratne will continue to lead Sri Lanka against Ireland

Sri Lanka boasts a strong batting line-up with the likes of Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, and Dinesh Chandimal spearheading it. 34-year-old Dimuth Karunaratne will continue to lead the side and will look to provide a strong foundation at the start of the innings.

Pathum Nissanka’s stroke of bad luck also continues as the 24-year-old too has missed out on the Test squad against Ireland. Despite having a good record in the Test cricket, Nissanka's recent poor form earlier saw him getting dropped from the side for the New Zealand tour as well.

Sri Lanka played their last Test series against New Zealand, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Black Caps. The Karunaratne-led side will be keen on improving upon their performances and winning the upcoming series against Ireland. After the end of the first Test, the second Test is scheduled to be played from April 24-28 at Galle.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Nishan Madushka (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dushan Hemantha, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake