Sri Lanka has included 24-year-old left-arm spinning allrounder Sonal Dinusha in their squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Australia, which begins on January 29 in Galle. This marks Dinusha’s first call-up to the national squad following a standout domestic season.
Dinusha has been in excellent form, scoring two centuries for Colombo Cricket Club in recent first-class matches. With a first-class batting average of 40.08 and a bowling average of 24.06 after 44 matches, his all-round performances have caught the attention of selectors.
Opening batter Lahiru Udara has also been named in the squad, possibly as a replacement for Pathum Nissanka, who is recovering from a groin strain sustained during the third ODI against New Zealand on January 11. Udara, a seasoned domestic player with 97 first-class appearances, has been in strong form, with scores of 142 and 65 in his last five innings.
Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, is working hard to recover from a side strain sustained in a first-class match. Nissanka’s fitness is still uncertain.
The squad boasts a formidable spin attack led by Prabath Jayasuriya, along with legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay and offspinner Nishan Peiris. In the pace department, four seamers have been selected: Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Milan Rathnayake.
Despite a challenging tour of South Africa, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup remains intact. Dimuth Karunaratne, who will play his 100th Test in the second match of the series, is joined by experienced players Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis. Sadeera Samarawickrama has been included as a backup middle-order batter and wicketkeeper.
Although Sri Lanka’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final have been dashed after six losses in 11 matches, Australia is in a strong position, with 11 wins and two draws from 17 matches, all but confirming their spot in the final alongside South Africa.
Both Tests in the series will be held in Galle, known for its spin-friendly conditions.
Sri Lanka Test squad vs Australia:
Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.
