Published: Jan 13, 2018, 11:40 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 13, 2018, 11:39 AM (IST)
It seems Sri Lanka’s mystery spinner Akila Dananjaya is all set to make his Test debut. He has been included in the 16-member Sri Lanka squad for two-match series against Bangladesh. Dananjaya is Sri Lanka’s vital cog in limited-overs cricket. He will be playing amongst spinners like Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan and Dilruwan Perera. Amongst the fast bowlers, Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara have been recalled while Dasun Shanaka and Vishwa Fernando have been dropped. They were part of the three-match Test series against India.
Sadeera Samarawickrama and Lahiru Thirimanne have been left out. Thirimanne was part of the first two Tests against India. He was, however, dropped in the final game at Delhi. Thirimanne managed to score just a half century from four innings. However, he has been in good form in domestic cricket. Sri Lanka’s top-order looks sorted with the return of Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis.
With no Thirimanne, the vice-captaincy duties have been handed over to Suranga Lakmal. So apart from spear heading the pace attack Lakmal would also have to assist Dinesh Chandimal. This is not the first time Lakmal has been handed responsibility. Lakmal has led the Tamil Union in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, Asela Gunaratne who is named in the ODI squad for Bangladesh tri-series is dropped for the Tests.
Sri Lanka will begin their journey in Bangladesh with the tri-series followed by the first Test at Chittagong from January 31.
Sri Lanka Tests squad: Dinesh Chandimal (c), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Suranga Lakmal (vc),Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roshen Silva, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Gamage and Lahiru Kumara.
