Uncapped Nishan Peiris called up for Tests
View(s):Uncapped off-spinner Nishan Peiris has been called up to the Sri Lanka squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting March 22 in Sylhet, Bangladesh.
The 26-year-old replaces fast bowler Milan Ratnayake in the squad as the selectors aim to strengthen the spin department by adding an extra spinner. Sri Lanka had only two spinners in the team during their recent match against Afghanistan, opting for five seamers in the 16-man squad.
Peiris’ selection follows an outstanding domestic performance, where he claimed 20 wickets in three matches, including two five-wicket hauls for Team Colombo in the National Super League 4-day tournament.
Ragama CC spinner Nishan Peiris (L) was called in six years earlier but is yet to earn a national cap
Having made his national team debut at 21 in 2018, Peiris stepped in for Akila Dananjaya, who was sidelined due to a suspect action during the third Test against England in Colombo but is yet to earn his Test cap.
Also making a comeback to the squad is Lahiru Kumara, who replaces the injured Asitha Fernando in the Test side. Kumara, with 74 wickets in 26 matches, last represented Sri Lanka in March 2023 against England. His addition will bolster Sri Lanka’s seam attack, joining Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Chamika Gunasekera.
Despite Pathum Nissanka’s impressive performances in limited-overs cricket, the opening batsman has been left out of the Test team as the selectors aim to manage his workload ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka Test squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (Capt), Kusal Mendis (VC), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Udara, Chamika Gunasekara, Nishan Peiris.
| Sri Lanka name ODI squad Sri Lanka Cricket has announced its 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, with two notable changes marking the lineup. Most notably, seamer Lahiru Kumara makes a return to the one-day side after a five-month absence, replacing the injured Asitha Fernando. Kumara’s last appearance for Sri Lanka was at the World Cup last year, where a thigh injury prematurely ended his campaign. Also making a comeback to the squad is the dynamic opener Pathum Nissanka, who recently made headlines with his historic double century against Afghanistan. Nissanka’s impressive performance has earned him a spot in the team, adding depth to the batting lineup. Kamindu Mendis replaces Shevon Daniel in the squad. The squad will be led by Kusal Mendis, with Charith Asalanka as vice-captain. Alongside Nissanka and Mendis, the batting department boasts talents like Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, and Janith Liyanage, providing a formidable lineup for Sri Lanka. In the bowling department, the team will rely on the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan and Dishan Madushanka to deliver crucial breakthroughs. With the return of Kumara, the pace attack gains experience and potency, complementing the spin options provided by Hasarangga, Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage and Akila Dhananjaya. Sri Lanka will play three ODIs starting Wednesday (13) in Chattogram. Sri Lanka ODI squad: Kusal Mendis(Capt), Charith Asalanka (VC), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Janith Liyanage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Akila Dhananjaya, Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne
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