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Big Names Back In the Team; Here is Sri Lankan Squad For Pakistan Tests

image-ljxujlsjTeam Sri Lanka | Source: Twitter 

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has finalised the Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against Pakistan, set to begin on July 16 in Galle. The squad will be officially announced once it receives approval from the Sports Minister. 

Dimuth Karunaratne will lead the side with Nishan Madushka and Kusal Mendis are expected to be the two wicket-keeper batting options. 

Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya will oversee the spin duties, while Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha will be spearheading the pace attack. 

Meanwhile, the hosts have suffered a major blow ahead of their first Test as Asitha Fernando, who is currently recovering from dengue fever will miss the series opener. 

He is expected to make a comeback in the second Test; however, nothing is confirmed as of now. Therefore, in his absence, the left-arm seamer, Dilshan Madushanka, will take up the responsibility.

In another significant development, the selectors have made the decision to drop left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and bring in Praveen Jayawickrama as his replacement. 

Meanwhile, the batting line-up will feature players who were recently involved in the series against Ireland, with the exception of Pathum Nissanka.

The selectors have instead picked Nishan Madushka to partner skipper Dimuth Karunaratne as the opening batter. 

As per a report of The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka, the composition of this squad is nearly finalized as the main team, but the official announcement will be made once it receives approval from the sports minister of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka's Squad For Pakistan Tests

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Nishan Madushka (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lakshitha Manasinghe, Praveen Jayawickrama, Asitha Fernando/Dilshan Madushka, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha

Meanwhile, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan have already landed in Hambantota on Monday as they are scheduled to play a two-day warm-up match on July 11 and 12. 

The first Test of the two-match series will be played from July 16 at Galle International Stadium followed by second Test at the Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo.