The national selectors have named a 17-man Sri Lanka Test squad to face England in the upcoming three-match series in United Kingdom.
Uncapped top-order batsman Dhananjaya De Silva and fast-bowling all-rounder Dasun Shanaka have been named for the first time while left-handed batsman Lahiru Thirimanne has been recalled into the touring squad even though he was not named in the 20-man provisional squad. Dhananjaya had a stellar 2015/16 season scoring 868 runs at an average of 54.25, and has also been Tamil Union’s leading wicket-taker, claiming 34 scalps with his off-spinners.
The top run-maker of the 2015/16 domestic season, Tharanga Paranvithana who made 953 runs at an average of almost 80 has not been recalled.
Former Trinity College captain Niroshan Dickwella has also earned a recall as a specialist wicket-keeper batsman. Opening batsman Kaushal Silva who was hit on the head while fielding and hospitalized last Sunday has also earned a recall due to a well-crafted century in the two-day practice game in Pallekelle while fast-bowling duo, Dhammika Prasad and Shaminda Eranga have recovered successfully from their injury concerns to earn their rightful places in the squad.
The selectors have named 2 specialist spinners in Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera while naming a five-man contingent of fast-bowlers apart of the two fast-bowling all-rounders, Shanaka and Mathews. Shanaka has played only 30 first-class games and averages 38 with the bat and has taken 26 wickets for SSC.
The cricket authorities have also named renowned rugby icon, Chandrishan Perera as the assistant trainer and communications manager of the squad. The team will depart to England on May 4th. The first Test will commence on 19th May at Leeds.
Sri Lanka Test Squad
Angelo Mathews (Captain), Dinesh Chandimal (Vice-Captain), Dimuth Karunarathne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Lahiru Thirimanne, Milinda Siriwardena, Dasun Shanaka, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Shaminda Eranga.
Officials
Charith Senanayaka (Manager), Graham Ford (Head Coach), Stephen Mount (Physio), Michael Maine (Trainer), Chandrishan Perera (Assistant Trainer / Communications Manager), Champaka Ramanayaka (Bowling Coach), Nuwan Senevirathna (Fielding Coach), Lal Thamel (Masseuse), Dulip Samarasinghe (Computer Analyst).
