Sri Lanka name final squad for Bangladesh Tests

The 18-member Sri Lanka cricket team led by Dimuth Karunaratne will take wing to Bangladesh for two Test matches in Chittagong and Mirpur.

The first Test will start on May 15 and the second Test on May 23.

All-rounder Kamindu Mendis, the top scorer in the National Super League Four-Day tournament, who was initially omitted from the provisional squad, was added to the final touring party after batsman Roshen Silva opted out.

Silva, who was in the provisional squad, is understood to be playing Lancashire League Cricket in the United Kingdom, and had opted out of the final contingent.

It was reported that SLC had asked Silva to return to the island to do a fitness test before being selected for the Bangladesh tour, but the player had cited financial constraints in being unable to return, and therefore opted out.

The contingent also includes four uncapped players in wicket-keeper batsman Kamil Mishara, all-rounder Mendis, left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka and leg-arm spinner Suminda Lakshan.

Batsmn Oshada Fernando, all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Asitha Fernando were also called up, with batsmen Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka and Lahiru Thirimanne omitted.

Vishwa Fernando and Kasun Rajitha, who has not played a Test since the tour of South Africa in 2020, will be the most experienced in Sri Lanka’s fast bowling unit, following the retirement of Suranga Lakmal earlier this year.

That also means there is a good chance Asitha Fernando or the uncapped Madushanka will feature, with Sri Lanka also having another fast bowling option at hand with all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who was part of the squad for the Test series in India, has also been axed.

Left-arm spinners Lasith Embuldeniya and Praveen Jayawickrama are likely to be the preferred spin options for Sri Lanka, although the return of Ramesh Mendis, having missed the Indian tour due to injury, will be a big boost.