SL in NZ: Madushka to make debut in second Test

Wicket-keeper bat Nishan Madushka is set to make his Test debut on Friday in the second Test against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington as selectors have lost patience with the out-of-form wicket-keeper batter, Niroshan Dickwella.

The righ-handed opener was in sublime form during the Sri Lanka A series against England Lions last month. He scored back-to-back centuries including a double ton (241) in the first game which forced his selection into the senior side.

With Niroshan Dickwella struggling for runs (7, 0 in the first Test), the door has now been opened for the 23-year-old youngster.

He is expected to bat at number 7.

Meanwhile, the selectors have brought in left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando also into the mix but sources said they might stick with the same bowling unit as the first one.

“Yes, it’s a green pitch with 15mm of grass but we need to play to our strength as well. We will make a final call on the bowling combination tomorrow morning,” a team source said.

Probable squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal,Dhananjaya de Silva,Nishan Madushka, Prabath Jayasuriya/Vishwa Fernando,Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando