COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have named fast bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara in their squad for the two-Test tour of Pakistan in November, handing both players their maiden Test call-ups. Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has also returned to the squad.
Bandara replaces Niroshan Dickwella, who was recalled for Sri Lanka’s home Test series against India in August but has been left out of the latest squad.
Meanwhile, Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in his first Test series in the role after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down.
Malinga and Bandara earn maiden Test call-ups
Malinga has established himself in Sri Lanka’s limited-overs teams. He earned his first Test call-up after taking 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15.
The 22-year-old Bandara has also been rewarded for his strong first-class record. He averages 65.85 across 31 matches, with seven centuries and seven half-centuries. His highest score is an unbeaten 200.
Sri Lanka have also made several changes following their recent Test series against India. Openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, who featured in the second Test in Colombo, have been dropped. All-rounder Sahan Arachchige has also been omitted.
Experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal returns after being substituted out of the first Test in Galle due to concussion.
Pathum Nissanka’s inclusion remains subject to fitness clearance. He will travel to Pakistan only if medical staff declare him fit.
Sri Lanka prepare for busy Pakistan tour
Sri Lanka’s spin attack will be led by Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha. All-rounder Sonal Dinusha has also been included following an impressive series against India.
The pace attack features Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga. Vishwa Fernando has been left out.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are currently contesting a three-match T20I series. The final match is scheduled for Tuesday, with Pakistan already holding a 2-0 lead.
After the T20I series, Sri Lanka will take part in an ODI tri-series featuring Pakistan and England. The tournament is scheduled to run in Rawalpindi and Lahore from October 18 to 31.
Sri Lanka will face England in Rawalpindi on October 22 before the teams move to Lahore for the remaining group-stage matches. Pakistan are scheduled to play England on October 25 and Sri Lanka on October 27, with both fixtures set for Gaddafi Stadium.
Sri Lanka and England will meet in the final group-stage match on October 29. The top two teams will qualify for the final, scheduled for October 31 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Sri Lanka will then play a three-day warm-up match in Islamabad from November 4 to 6 before beginning the Test series against Pakistan.
Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test schedule
The two-Test series will form part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27.
- First Test: November 9-13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Second Test: November 17-21 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Tests
Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka*, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.
Pathum Nissanka’s selection is subject to fitness clearance.
