Sri Lanka announce squad for first Test against India

Sri Lanka have announced a 16-member squad for the first Test as part of the ICC World Test Championship series against India set to begin on August 15 in Galle.

Dhananjaya De Silva leads the side while Kamindu Mendis will serve as his deputy.

Sri Lanka squad for First Test against India:

Dhananjaya De Silva, Lahiru Udana, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

Niroshan Dickwella is in line to make his return to Test cricket after regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis was ruled out with an injury. Dickwella last featured for Sri Lanka in the format against New Zealand in 2023.

Alongside Kusal Mendis, experienced batter Pathum Nissanka also misses out as he continues his recovery from wrist surgery.

Batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara has also been included in the squad and could be in contention for his Test debut after putting together impressive numbers on the domestic circuit.

Another youngster in the mix is right-arm off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, who could also be in line to make his Test debut after building an impressive record in domestic cricket.

Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has also been recalled to the squad, having made his sole Test appearance back in 2023 against Pakistan. His return adds further firepower and variety to Sri Lanka's pace attack.

Sri Lanka currently sit sixth in the ICC World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 41.67, having played four matches and won one. India are just above them in fifth place with a points percentage of 48.15, having played nine Tests and secured four victories.

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