Sri Lanka announce Test squad for lone Zimbabwe Test, include Danushka Gunathilaka

After being battered in the ODI series by Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka brace themselves for the solitary Test which begins on Friday. The home side is still reeling from the shock defeat. Their skipper Angelo Mathews stepped down from the captaincy after terming the defeat “one of the lowest points of his career.”

New start under Chamdimal

Sri Lanka needs to start afresh under a new captain: Dinesh Chandimal. They have picked Danushka Gunathilaka in the squad and might debut him on Friday. The left-hander has had a decent run in the ODI side. He shot into prominence when he made an ice-cool 76 against India in the ICC Champions Trophy which paved the way for a memorable Sri Lankan win. The 26-year old was in prolific form in the recently concluded Zimbabwe series as he recorded 323 runs at 53.83 which included 3 fifties and one hundred. The opener has been rewarded for his consistency with a Test call-up.

Upul Tharanga, who was made the limited overs captain, also finds a place in the squad. He had a good home series against Bangladesh where he scored a century in the first Test of the 2-match series. After missing the home series against Bangladesh, fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera was also called back to the side. The youngster has already played 6 Tests and captured 22 wickets at 33. The selections of Gunathilaka and Chameera have come due to the absence of Nuwan Pradeep and Kusal Perera, both of whom are nursing injuries.

Senior players must step up in times of desperation

Angelo Mathews might not be the skipper anymore but will continue to play a key role as an all-rounder. The likes of Kusal Mendis and Asela Gunaratne need to step up in this series. Rangana Herath will continue to play a pivotal role with the ball. The Test will be played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Sri Lanka Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (c), Upul Tharanga, Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella, Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Rangana Herath, Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Kumara, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal.