Lahiru Thirimanne set to make a come back to the Sri Lanka squad

Just days after Sri Lankan bowler Suranga Lakmal was ruled out of the second Test against India due to a back injury, top order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne has made his comeback to the squad. However, it’s been quite some time since the 27-year-old featured in the national team. Thirimanne, who has 26 Test caps for Sri Lanka was axed from the side after the Lord’s Test last year.

Once earmarked as the successor to Kumar Sangakkara at number three and the man to take over the captaincy mantle, the left-hander has failed to convert talent into numbers with a poor Test average of just 24. Stand-in captain Rangana Herath also looks doubtful for the second Test that starts on Thursday. The veteran spinner hurt his left middle finger while attempting to field in India’s second innings at Galle.

Herath did not bowl or bat on day four as Sri Lanka were beaten by 304 runs to trail the three match series 1-0. The left-arm spinner’s situation will be monitored over the next 48 hours and the team will be desperate for him to make it to the final line-up.

Chandimal and Sandakan added to the squad

However, the newly elected captain Dinesh Chandimal is set to make his return to the squad. Chandimal, who replaced Angelo Mathews at the helm after his leadership failed to provide reasonable results, missed the series opener after he was diagnosed with pneumonia.

With Chandimal taking back the number four position, Kusal Mendis, who batted at four in Galle will move up to three with Danushka Gunathilaka will most likely have to sit out. Also, since Asela Gunaratne has been ruled out of the tour, the number six position will be up for grabs and the toss will be between Dhananjaya de Silva and Thirimanne. Left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan has also been added to the squad as a backup.