Sri Lanka Squad for India Test with Dickwella Back

Sri Lanka has announced its 16-player squad for the first Test against India, starting on August 15. Niroshan Dickwella is returning to the team after a three-year absence. He will handle wicketkeeping duties following Kusal Mendis’ injury.

Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the side, with Kamindu Mendis as his deputy. Dickwella has played 57 Tests and brings valuable experience. Uncapped spinner Keshara Nuwantha is also in the squad and might debut in the Test.

Nuwantha showed promise in a practice match against India, taking two wickets. Ramesh Mendis is back to add another spin option. However, key batsmen Pathum Nissanka (wrist injury) and Kusal Mendis (hamstring issue) are out.

The team has a mix of pace and spin bowlers. Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Dilshan Madushanka will handle pace, while Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, and Keshara Nuwantha provide spin variety.

Sri Lanka’s series is important for the World Test Championship. They are sixth in the standings with a 41.67 points percentage, having won only one of four matches.

The first Test will be at Galle, followed by the second in Colombo. The squad includes Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis (vc), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.