Sri Lanka Test team during West Indies tour of 2026 | PC- AFP
With the IND vs SL Test series just three days away, the hosts, Sri Lanka, have yet to announce the Test squad for the two-match series, starting on August 15 at the Galle International Stadium in Galle.
The Sri Lankan contingent has already grouped up in Galle to prepare for the series against Shubman Gill’s India.
It is worth mentioning that the various Sri Lankan players are either injured or nursing injuries, which is why the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) hasn't revealed the squad.
Dilshan Madushanka, uncapped Keshara Nuwantha to be named in SL Test squad
According to a Revsportz report, the Sri Lankan selectors are looking to recall left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka for the series against India. Moreover, off-spinning all-rounder Keshara Nuwantha is set to earn his maiden call-up.
“Keshara Nuwantha is likely to earn his maiden-call up to the Sri Lanka’s squad for the Test series against India. Dilshan Madushanka is also set for a recall,” the report stated.
Madushanka, who has played a solitary Test, along with 28 ODIs and 20 T20Is, was Sri Lanka’s mainstay during the 2023 ODI World Cup, where he snapped the former Indian captain Rohit Sharma on the second ball.
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Meanwhile, Nuwantha came to the limelight during the recently concluded practice match against the visiting Indian side, where he bagged the wickets of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant. Interestingly, the all-rounder got the attacking batter’s number twice in as many occasions.
Notably, the offie bagged a fifer in the IND-A vs SL-A second unofficial Test match. Overall, he has played 15 First-Class games to snap 64 wickets at a strike rate of 39.
Niroshan Dickwella, Anjala Bandara in line for IND vs SL Tests
In other news, two of Sri Lanka's batting mainstays, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, are ruled out of at least the first Test against India.
As the visitors are short on batting options, the SLC is likely to bring back Niroshan Dickwella to the Test squad for the first time since March 2023. Moreover, there are talks regarding the uncapped Anjala Bandara being brought in as a replacement for the injured wicketkeeper.
Interestingly, both Dickwella and Bandara are in Galle with the Sri Lanka contingent preparing for the two-match Test series.
Can Sri Lanka qualify for WTC 2027 Final?
Currently positioned in sixth place, Sri Lanka are just behind India on the WTC Points Table with 41.67% after two series. With eight Test matches more to go, the Islanders have a go at the next WTC final, but for that, they would need to beat India first.
If Sri Lanka can win seven out of their remaining matches, they would directly qualify after bagging a PCT of 72.22. However, six victories would keep them in a strong position, but the other results will have the final say.
Five wins and two draws will also keep them at bay mathematically, but Sri Lanka won’t look to take it to that extent.
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