Sri Lanka Bolster Squad for England Test Series with Newcomers and Returning Veteran
Colombo, August 7, 2024 – Sri Lanka have announced an 18-member squad for their upcoming three-match Test series against England, featuring a mix of experienced campaigners and exciting newcomers.
The squad is headlined by the inclusion of uncapped right-arm seamer Milan Rathnayake and fast-bowling allrounder Nisala Tharaka, both of whom will be eager to make their mark at the international level. Tharaka, a 33-year-old veteran of 107 first-class matches, brings a wealth of experience, having taken 257 wickets and scored 2,358 runs in the domestic circuit.
Legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who last featured in a Test match for Sri Lanka in June 2022 against Australia, has also been recalled to the squad after an impressive showing in the recent ODI series against India, where he registered a career-best figure of 6 for 33.
“The inclusion of Milan Rathnayake and Nisala Tharaka is a clear indication of our commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for experienced players to showcase their skills at the international level,” said Sri Lanka’s chief selector.
The squad will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva, with Kusal Mendis as his deputy. Sri Lanka have opted for a pace-heavy attack, with Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Tharaka and Rathnayake set to lead the fast-bowling charge. Vandersay, Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya will be responsible for the spin duties.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and England is scheduled to commence on August 21 at Manchester, followed by the second Test at Lord’s on August 29 and the final match at The Oval on September 6.
Sri Lanka Squad:
- Dhananjaya De Silva (capt)
- Dimuth Karunaratne
- Nishan Madushka
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (vice-capt)
- Angelo Mathews
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Asitha Fernando
- Vishwa Fernando
- Kasun Rajitha
- Lahiru Kumara
- Nisala Tharaka
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Ramesh Mendis
- Jeffrey Vandersay
- Milan Rathnayake
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