Sri Lanka have announced their Playing XI for the second and final Test against West Indies, with three changes made to the side ahead of the match, which gets underway tonight (3rd July) in Antigua.
The visitors have brought in Lahiru Udara, Isitha Wijesundara and Prabath Jayasuriya, replacing Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha.
The biggest talking point is the Test debut of fast bowler Isitha Wijesundara, who will become Sri Lanka’s 171st Test cricketer when he takes the field tonight. The uncapped pacer has earned his maiden opportunity after an impressive rise through the domestic ranks and will strengthen Sri Lanka’s pace attack.
Sri Lanka’s regular Test opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out after suffering persistent wrist pain following the first Test. Medical assessments recommended surgery, and the right-hander departed for the United Kingdom on 30th June to undergo the procedure.
Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara is also unavailable after sustaining a Grade 1 strain to his right hamstring during the opening Test. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando experienced a recurrence of right-sided lower back, trunk and hip pain while bowling during the warm-up match. Although his condition has steadily improved over the past week, he has not yet fully recovered and remains unavailable for selection.
The off-spinner Ramesh Mendis is recovering from a bacterial infection contracted during the tour and is also unavailable for selection.
After suffering a heavy defeat in the opening Test, Sri Lanka will be aiming to bounce back and level the two-match series when the second Test begins in Antigua.
Cricket fans can watch the second Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies LIVE on ThePapare Television Channels 1 & 1 HD (Dialog TV Ch. 62 & 126).
Sri Lanka’s Playing XI
- Nishan Madushka
- Lahiru Udara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dhananjaya De Silva – Captain
- Kusal Mendis
- Sonal Dinusha
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Milan Rathnayake
- Isitha Wijesundara – Debut
- Asitha Fernando
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