SL in Eng: Kusal Perera, Chaminda Bandara to join Sri Lanka Test squad

Opener Kusal Perera and uncapped fast bowler Chaminda Bandara are expected to join the Sri Lanka Test squad in England ahead of the third and final Test, which will begin at Lords' from June 9. 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Selection Committee headed by Sanath Jayasuriya have picked the 29-year-old left-arm fast bower, Bandara, as a replacement to Dushmantha Chameera, who sustained a lower back injury during the first Test match. 

"Bandara who’s five-year career spans 51 First Class matches hauled an impressive 9 for 68 in the AIA Premier League Tournament against the Sri Lanka Army, and has 141 First Class wickets. The old boy of St. Mary’s College Kegalle is the only fast bowler to feature among the top 15 wicket-takers of the AIA Premier League Tournament 2015/16," SLC stated. 

Speaking on Bandara's selection, Chairman of Selection Committee, Jayasuriya had said: “Bandara has been performing well domestically and he is the best choice available at the time for the English conditions.” 

Bandara will leave Sri Lanka together with Kusal Perera, and both players are expected to be available for the third Test.