Nissanka gets call for Windies Test series
Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka who has the world’s fourth best first class average has received his maiden call up to the national team to face West Indies in the two-match Test series to be played at the end of the ongoing limited over series.
He has a first class average of 67.54 only behind Don Bradman (95.15), Vijay Merchant (71.64) and George Headley (69.86) The 22-year-old made his T20 international debut on Wednesday against the West Indies.
Also back in the squad is the dependable Dananjaya de Silva, having being sidelined since December following a thigh injury. The 29-year-old pulled his thigh muscle during the Boxing Day Test against South Africa which forced him out of action for more than two months.
The17-man squad also includes Lahiru Thirimanne, who tested positive for COVID-19, Roshen Silva, Vishwa Fernando and Lasith Embuldeniya. All five players will fly to Antigua today to join the rest of the team who are currently engaged in the limited over series. Dasun Shanka who missed out on the T20 series due to a visa issue will also travel to West Indies.
Sri Lanka will play three ODIs in Antigua prior to the two-match Test series. All games will be played at Sir Viv Richards Stadium.
Test squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Niroshan Dickwella, Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Chandimal, Dasun Shanaka, Dushmantha Chameera, Asitha Fernando, Ramesh Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Lasith Embuldeniya, Vishwa Fernando, Roshen Silva and Suranga Lakmal.