Four uncapped come in; Akila Dananjaya returns
Tharindu Rathnayake
As Angelo Mathews prepares for his emotional farewell at Galle, cricket selectors have included four uncapped players while recalling experienced spinner Akila Dananjaya after a six-year absence for the first Test against Bangladesh beginning June 17.
Middle-order batsmen Pawan Rathnayake (22) and Pasindu Sooriyabandara (25), opener Lahiru Udara (31), and the promising ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake (29) have all earned their maiden call-ups through consistent domestic performances and impressive showings for Sri Lanka ‘A’.
These players have been persistently knocking on the door of international recognition, and their inclusion signals the selectors’ commitment to building a sustainable Test team for the years to come.
The timing couldn’t be more significant. With Angelo Mathews set to retire after the first Test, these newcomers are likely to receive immediate opportunities in the second Test at the SSC from June 25, providing them with invaluable experience in familiar home conditions.
Sri Lanka’s spin department receives a significant boost with the return of Akila Dananjaya, whose recall after six years demonstrates the selectors’ focus on strengthening their traditional spinning strength. The 31-year-old has earned his way back through exceptional domestic form, finishing as the leading wicket-taker in the National Super League 4-day Tournament with 37 wickets at 25.37 from five matches. His 34 wickets at an average of 19.64 in the Major League Tournament further underlined his readiness for international return.
Dananjaya’s experience, combined with the established Prabath Jayasuriya and the versatile Tharindu Rathnayake, who is likely to debut in Galle, creates a formidable spin trio that could prove decisive in home conditions. This spin-heavy approach aligns perfectly with Sri Lanka’s traditional strengths and the nature of subcontinent pitches.
The squad overhaul sees the departure of several established names including the retired Dimuth Karunaratne, along with Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nishan Peiris, Ramesh Mendis, and Jeffrey Vandersay from the squad against Australia.
With Sonal Dinusha already part of the setup from the Australian series, Sri Lanka now has a healthy blend of youth and experience. The presence of seasoned campaigners like Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis provides stability while the newcomers adapt to international cricket.
The Bangladesh series offers the perfect platform for these emerging players to announce themselves on the international stage and begin their journey toward becoming the backbone of Sri Lankan cricket for years to come.
| Sri Lanka squad for first Test: | |
| Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Pawan Rathnayake, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Akila Dananjaya, Tharindu Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake |