Sri Lanka Faces India Test Setback As Nissanka, Mendis Ruled Out Through Injuries

Sri Lanka Cricket on Wednesday announced its squad for the first Test against India, with experienced batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis ruled out of the opening match because of injuries. The two-match Test series begins on Saturday, August 15, in Galle. Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the Sri Lankan side, while Kamindu Mendis has been named his deputy. The absence of Nissanka and Kusal Mendis is a significant setback for the hosts ahead of the series. Both batters have been important members of Sri Lanka’s senior lineup, but their injuries have forced the selectors to make changes before the opening Test.

Sri Lanka will now look to its other experienced players to provide stability against an Indian side preparing for the two-Test contest. In the absence of Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka have recalled 33-year-old batter Niroshan Dickwella to the national Test squad. The call-up marks Dickwella’s return to the team after a three-year absence. His most recent appearance for Sri Lanka in the format came against New Zealand in 2023, making the recall a notable development as the hosts deal with injuries to their established batters.

Sri Lanka have also included a strong group of spin options for the Galle Test. Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya are the frontline spinners, while Keshara Nuwantha has also been included. Nuwantha recently featured in Sri Lanka Cricket XI’s warm-up match against India, where he claimed three wickets despite the hosts losing the game by six wickets. Nuwantha had also impressed in the match against India A in Galle last month, returning a five-wicket haul.

Also Read: BCCI Explains Sarfaraz Khan's Test Recall For Sri Lanka Despite India A Omission

His recent performances have strengthened his case for inclusion in the Test squad, particularly with Sri Lanka expected to rely heavily on spin in home conditions.  The selection gives captain Dhananjaya de Silva another bowling option ahead of the opening match. The squad also features five specialist fast bowlers. Among them are left-arm pacers Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka, providing Sri Lanka with variety in its pace attack. The combination of experienced spinners and left-arm fast bowlers gives the hosts several options when deciding their final XI for the Galle Test.

The first Test will therefore begin with Sri Lanka managing significant selection challenges after losing two of its experienced batters to injury. India will enter the contest knowing that the hosts have been forced to alter their batting combination, while Sri Lanka will hope its replacements can make an immediate impact. The two sides will meet in Galle from August 15, with the second Test scheduled to follow as part of the series.

Also Read: Shubman Gill Returns to Bat in Nets After Finger Injury Scare