Sri Lanka Announces Squad for Warne-Murali Test Series

Sri Lanka has announced an 18-member squad for the final series of the ICC World Test Championship against Australia.

Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka have been included in the squad. There were doubts about the participation of these key players due to injuries, but they will take part in this home series against the reigning World Test Champions, Australia.

Nissanka is still recovering from a groin injury, making his participation the least likely. To address such potential issues, the Sri Lankan selectors have named an 18-member squad. The first Test is just five days away.

Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha, two uncapped players in the squad, may have the chance to make their Test debuts.

Both matches of the Warne-Muralitharan Test Series will be held in Galle. These games mark the final two matches of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. Australia and South Africa have already secured their spots in the championship final.

Sri Lanka is currently in fifth place on the points table, just above England. A successful series against Australia could see Sri Lanka surpass New Zealand and even climb above India.

Australia’s captain, Pat Cummins, has been ruled out of the tour due to an ankle injury. However, batter Steve Smith has been included in the squad and will take on the captaincy responsibilities. Despite suffering a serious elbow injury during the Big Bash, Smith is ready for the Sri Lanka tour and the subsequent Champions Trophy campaign.

Sri Lanka Test Squad Against Australia:

Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.

Schedule:

1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle
2nd Test: February 6 – February 10, 2025, Galle

1st ODI: February 12, 2025, Galle
2nd ODI: February 14, 2025 (Venue to be confirmed).