Sri Lanka aiming to end WTC cycle on a high
Four months later, the stage is set again at Galle, this time against the world’s top-ranked Test team, Australia. The two-match Test series, commencing on January 29, promises to be a fierce battle as Sri Lanka seeks to regain the coveted Murali-Warne Trophy.
Sonal Dinusha has earned his Test Cap
Prabath Jayasuriya, often dubbed the “man with the golden arm”, will lead the charge for Sri Lanka’s spin attack. With 71 of his 107 career wickets claimed at Galle in his short 18-match Test career which began against the same opponent in 2022, Jayasuriya has cemented his reputation as a match-winner in home conditions. His ability to extract sharp turn and bounce makes him the team’s primary weapon against the formidable Australian batting lineup.
Supporting Jayasuriya is Nishan Peiris, who had an impressive debut against New Zealand, claiming nine wickets, including a six-wicket haul in the second innings to lead Sri Lanka’s emphatic triumph. Peiris’ accuracy and composure add depth to the spin attack, making him an ideal second fiddle to Jayasuriya at a time off-spinner Ramesh Mendis is slowly fading away.
The selectors have also recalled Jeffrey Vandersay, the leg-spinner, for his first Test appearance since debuting against Australia during their 2022 tour. While Vandersay’s initial outing was underwhelming—10 overs for 68 runs and two wickets—his inclusion reflects Sri Lanka’s intent to keep their spin options dynamic. Vandersay has a point to prove, and with the conditions at Galle favoring spin, he could play a pivotal role if given the opportunity.
In addition to the spin trio of Jayasuriya, Peiris and Vandersay, Sri Lanka boasts part-time options in captain Dhananjaya de Silva, an effective off-spinner, and Kamindu Mendis, known for his ambidextrous bowling. Rookie Sonal Dinusha, 24, has also earned his spot in the squad following impressive domestic performances. Dinusha’s rise has been noteworthy in recent months. The all-rounder has been in great form for his domestic team–Colombo Cricket Club, scoring two first-class centuries in recent weeks. He also showcased his skills for Sri Lanka ‘A’, averaging 40.08 with the bat and 24.06 with the ball across 44 first-class matches. While Dinusha’s debut in this series seems unlikely given the current team composition, his inclusion underscores Sri Lanka’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Sri Lanka is expected to stick to their tried-and-tested strategy of fielding four specialist bowlers and seven batters. Despite Galle’s spin-friendly pitches, the team is unlikely to risk playing three frontline spinners alongside a solitary fast bowler, primarily due to the lack of seam-bowling all-rounders.
On the seam-bowling front, Sri Lanka has four options — Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Milan Rathnayake. Rathnayake, a promising pacer with the ability to contribute runs in the lower order, could make the XI alongside either Asitha or Kumara. The selectors will aim for a balanced attack capable of adapting to the challenges posed by Australia’s batting lineup.
Head coach Sanath Jayasuriya, guiding the team in one of his biggest home assignments since taking charge, emphasised the importance of batting contributions to support the bowlers.
“It’s crucial for the batters to score big so that the bowlers can dominate,” Jayasuriya stated.
“We are well aware of the challenges Australia brings, but the boys are determined to give their best. This series will be tough and competitive, and we’re preparing accordingly.”
Jayasuriya also highlighted the significance of exploiting home conditions, a strategy employed by top teams worldwide.
“Playing at home gives us an edge. You saw how Australia used their conditions against India and how South Africa capitalised on theirs to beat us and Pakistan. It’s about playing to your strengths while ensuring you execute the basics to win matches,” he added.
The squad has seen a few adjustments, with Lahiru Udara joining as a backup opener for Pathum Nissanka, who is recovering from a groin injury. Udara, a seasoned domestic performer with 97 first-class games under his belt, has been knocking on the doors of national selection for years. He enters the squad on the back of solid form, including scores of 142 and 65 in his recent outings.
Sadeera Samarawickrama has also been included as a middle-order option and an additional wicket-keeper adding flexibility to the batting lineup.
The former skipper Dimuth Karunaratne is poised to achieve a personal milestone by playing his 100th Test during the second match but his form during the last 10 games have been lackluster. He had scored only 534 runs in 19 innings since January last year at 29.66, a far cry from the man who averages closer to 40 in Tests. However, Karunaratne’s experience will be invaluable at the top of the order and with the likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kusal Mendis in the batting line-up,
Sri Lanka has what it takes to beat the best.
Australia’s last tour to Sri Lanka in 2022 saw a mixed bag of results. After a commanding 10-wicket win in the first Test at Galle, they were humbled in the second match at the same venue, losing by an innings and 39 runs. This was largely due a batting master-class from Dinesh Chandimal who scored a career-best double century before Jayasuriya completed the best figures by a Sri Lankan on Test debut with a 12-wicket haul. Sri Lanka will draw confidence from that performance as they prepare to face a formidable Australian side once again.
While Sri Lanka’s chances of making the World Test Championship final have slipped away, the team is determined to end the current cycle on a high. Reclaiming the Murali-Warne Trophy would be a significant achievement, not just for the team but also for the cricketing pride of the nation.
| Sri Lanka Squad | |
| Dhananjaya de Silva (Capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (pending fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake |