National selection committee has selected an 18-member Sri Lanka squad for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh.
The middle-order batters Pavan Rathnayake and Pasindu Sooriyabandara have earned their maiden call-ups through consistent domestic performances and impressive showings for Sri Lanka ‘A’. They will replace retired Dimuth Karunaratne and wicket-keeper batter Sadeera Samarawickrama who played in the last Test series against Australia.
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The Sri Lankan spin attack also witnesses two changes as experienced off-spinner Akila Dananjaya and the ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake added to the squad. Dananjaya returns to Sri Lanka Test squad after six years while Rathnayake earns his maiden call up to the national team.
The squad overhaul sees the departure of several established spinners Nishan Peiris, Ramesh Mendis, and Jeffrey Vandersay from the squad against Australia.
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Meanwhile, two changes have been made for the pace bowling department as Kasun Rajitha and Isitha WIjesundara added to the squad leaving out Vishwa Fernando and injured Lahiru Kumara. This is Wijesundara’s maiden call up to the national Test squad.
