Sri Lanka Announces 18-Player Squad for ICC Test Series Against England

Sri Lanka has included uncapped players Milan Rathnayake and Nisala Tharaka in their 18-player squad for the ICC World Test Championship series against England. The squad, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, aims to improve their standing in the championship with key returns and a well-rounded team.

Sri Lanka has unveiled an 18-player squad for the forthcoming ICC World Test Championship series against England, featuring uncapped talents Milan Rathnayake and Nisala Tharaka. The three-match Test series will kick off on August 21 in Manchester.

Nisala Tharaka, aged 33, comes into the squad with impressive first-class statistics, having secured 257 wickets and accumulating 2358 runs in 107 matches. This will be his inaugural chance to represent the national side.

On the other hand, Rathnayake has been previously included in squads for series against Afghanistan and New Zealand but is yet to make his debut. The fast-bowling department will be bolstered by Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lahiru Kumara, along with experienced all-rounder Angelo Mathews.

Led by Dhananjaya de Silva, the squad also sees the return of batter Pathum Nissanka and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. Both players last featured in Test matches in 2022, with Vandersay earning his spot after an outstanding performance of 6/33 against India in an ODI.

Sri Lanka's spin strength will be enhanced by Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis, offering both depth and variety. Kusal Mendis, recently replaced by Charith Asalanka as ODI captain, will serve as the vice-captain for the Test series.

Currently, Sri Lanka stands fourth in the World Test Championship rankings with a 50% points percentage, while England is placed sixth with 36.54%. The series is pivotal for both teams as they strive to climb higher in the standings and secure a spot in the championship final.

The squad includes: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)