Sri Lanka Test Squad Announced For The Bangladesh Series

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced the 16-member Test squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. The competition in whites will commence on January 31 in Chittagong after the conclusion of the ODI tri-series scheduled before that. Zimbabwe is the third team to compete as the first match will be played on January 15 in Dhaka. However, the fast bowler Suranga Lakmal has been named the vice-captain of the side replacing Lahiru Thirimanne who has been left out once again.

Dinesh Chandimal continues to lead Sri Lanka in the traditional format of the game as they had blanked Pakistan in their own den by 2-0 last year and also did well much better than expectations in India. The batting line-up resembles similar which fared decently on their tough tour to India. Young Roshen Silva kept his place in the side following his heroics in Delhi in the last Test which helped them to hold the hosts for a draw.

No place for Asela Gunaratne

Surprisingly, Sri Lanka didn’t pick the all-rounder Asela Gunaratne who was part of the ODI leg of the India tour and will also play the triangular series prior to the Tests. Also, the opener Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis have returned to the setup. The latter would be relieved as he was dropped for the last tour following his consistent poor returns at the top of the order.

The bowling attack has been rejigged a little bit as the left arm seamer Vishwa Fernando and the all-rounder Dasun Shanaka were dropped. Akila Dananjaya has been included as the fourth spinner in the squad alongside Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan. Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera will assist the leader of the pace bowling attack and the vice-captain of the side Lakmal.

Sadeera Samarawickrama, who was vulnerable while playing the line outside the off-stump on India tour, has also made way for the others to step in into the squad. The team looks promising but has to produce results now under the new coach Chandika Hathurusingha.

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Roshen Silva, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Dilruwan Perera, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Gamage and Lahiru Kumara.

Follow CricTracker for more news and updates around the cricketing world.