Sri Lanka call up Eshan Malinga for Pakistan Tests and drop Niroshan Dickwella
Eshan Malinga earns first Test call-up for Pakistan tour
Sri Lanka have named fast bowler Eshan Malinga in their squad for November’s two-Test tour of Pakistan, giving the 22-year-old his first call-up to the Test side. Wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara has also been selected, while left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka returns to the squad.
Malinga has featured regularly in Sri Lanka’s shorter-format teams. Before this first Test selection, he had taken 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15.
Bandara’s selection follows a strong first-class record: in 31 matches, he averages 65.85 and has scored seven centuries and seven fifties, with a highest score of 200 not out. He replaces Niroshan Dickwella, who returned for Sri Lanka’s home Tests against India in August but has now been left out.
Kusal Mendis to lead; several players omitted
Kusal Mendis returns as Test captain after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down. Dinesh Chandimal is also back in the squad after being substituted out of the first Test in Galle because of concussion.
Openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, who played the second Test against India in Colombo, have been dropped, along with all-rounder Sahan Arachchige. Vishwa Fernando is also omitted. Pathum Nissanka’s place is conditional on medical clearance, and he will travel only if declared fit.
Sri Lanka squad for the Pakistan Tests
Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness clearance), 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.
Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha are the frontline spin options alongside Sonal Dinusha. The pace group includes Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Malinga and Madushanka.
Tests scheduled for Rawalpindi and Lahore
The first Test is scheduled for Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, followed by the second in Lahore from November 17 to 21. Both matches are part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. Sri Lanka are seventh in the standings with a points percentage of 33.33, while Pakistan are last on 4.63.