Lahiru Udara, who is yet to make his Test debut, has been included in Sri Lanka’s squad for the Australia series.
Sonal Dinusha, the spin-bowling all-rounder, earned his maiden call-up to the national team after impressive performances in first-class cricket. The 18-member squad for the two-Test series was announced by Sri Lanka on Friday, with Dinusha included to face Australia.
Lahiru Udara, another uncapped player in Tests, is part of the squad as a backup for Pathum Nissanka, who is recovering from a groin injury sustained during an ODI against New Zealand on January 11. While Nissanka has been named in the squad, his participation will depend on his fitness.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva is also recovering from a side strain he suffered during domestic cricket two weeks ago.
Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who last played a Test in 2022, has been recalled to the squad. Off-spinner Nishan Peiris, who featured in a Test last September, is also included. Prabath Jayasuriya will lead the spin attack, while Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Milan Rathnayake will handle the pace department.
Dinusha’s consistent performances in domestic cricket made him a standout player. Playing for Colombo Cricket Club, he recently scored back-to-back centuries in first-class matches and was impressive during Sri Lanka ‘A’s tour of Pakistan in November, scoring a century and two fifties. The 24-year-old left-handed batter has accumulated 2,285 runs in 44 first-class matches at an average of 40.08, including six centuries and 12 fifties. Additionally, he has taken 94 wickets with his left-arm spin, including six five-wicket hauls and two match hauls of 10 wickets.
Lahiru Udara, who has been on the selectors’ radar for years, has already made a T20I appearance. The 31-year-old batter has played 97 first-class matches, amassing 6,665 runs at an average of 41.14, with 13 centuries to his name.
Although Sri Lanka cannot qualify for the ICC World Test Championship final this cycle, the series against Australia is part of the championship. South Africa and Australia have already secured their places in the final.
Both Tests will be played in Galle, with the first starting next Wednesday and the second on February 6.
Sri Lanka Test Squad:
Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.
