Sri Lanka faces injury concerns ahead of the two-match Test series against Australia, with Pathum Nissanka and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva doubtful for the opener in Galle.
Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka is likely to miss the first Test due to a groin injury sustained during the third ODI against New Zealand in Auckland. MRI scans have confirmed a Grade 1 tear, which also casts doubt on his availability for the second Test, starting on February 6.
Sri Lanka Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva is also in doubt after suffering a side strain during the ongoing Major Clubs 3-Day Tournament. He was retired hurt while batting in the first innings for CCC against Nugegoda SWC.
As per recent reports, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, and Sonal Dinusha are the leading contenders to fill in for the injured players in the Test squad.
Oshada Fernando returned to the Sri Lanka Test squad during the New Zealand series after delivering stellar performances for Sri Lanka A in South Africa. The right-hander scored a match-defining 202 runs in the first unofficial Test, including a brilliant century in the first innings. In the ongoing Major Clubs 3-Day Tournament, he has continued his fine form with two half-centuries.
Lahiru Udara, who has amassed over 6,500 First-Class runs at an average of 41.14, was part of the red-ball squad during the Bangladesh tour in 2024 but is yet to make his debut. In the ongoing Major Clubs Tournament, the hard-hitting batter is among the top five leading run-scorers, closing in on 300 runs, with a highest score of 142.
Sonal Dinusha is emerging as a promising all-rounder for Sri Lanka and is in scintillating form, particularly with the bat. The southpaw has registered two fifties and three centuries in his last five First-Class innings, with two of the centuries coming in the ongoing Major Clubs Tournament. The 24-year-old is also an effective left-arm orthodox bowler and is just six wickets away from reaching 100 First-Class scalps.
Meanwhile, Kamindu Mendis, who split his webbing while attempting a catch during a First-Class match for CCC against SSC in the ongoing Major Clubs 3-Day Tournament, has been cleared to play in the Test series.
The two-Test series is set to begin on January 29, with both matches scheduled to be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. While the Sri Lanka Test squad is yet to be announced, the players have already headed to Galle to commence training.
