Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) have announced their men’s squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, with experienced all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva named as captain. The series, which is part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, is scheduled to begin on November 27 in Durban, followed by the second Test in Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) on December 5.
Key details of the series
The series holds significant importance for both teams in the WTC standings. Sri Lanka is currently ranked third, with South Africa closely trailing in fifth place. Both sides will be eager to capitalize on this opportunity to gain crucial points in their quest for a spot in the WTC final.
This will be Sri Lanka’s first red-ball assignment since their drawn home series against Pakistan earlier this year. For South Africa, it marks the beginning of a home Test season, where they will aim to leverage familiar conditions to climb up the WTC rankings.
Sri Lanka’s squad highlights
The 17-member Sri Lankan squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents. Veteran campaigners such as Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal bring a wealth of experience to the team. Youngsters like Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka will look to further establish themselves in the Test arena.
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The bowling unit includes a strong mix of spinners and pacers. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who has been in exceptional form in recent matches, leads the spin department alongside Lasith Embuldeniya and Nishan Peiris. The pace battery comprises Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake and Kasun Rajitha, providing skipper Dhananjaya with a variety of options to adapt to South African conditions.
Full squad
Sri Lanka Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha