Sri Lanka Name New Captain For Pakistan Tests! Former captain Dhananjaya de Silva has been retained in the 15-man squad

ByTech Word News

Test cricketers in Sri Lanka (ANI Photo) Sri Lanka have named a new captain for their upcoming away Test series against Pakistan, with Kusal Mendis taking charge in the two-match ICC World Test Championship (WTC) allocation. Former captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who recently retired from the leadership role, has retained his place in the 15-member squad announced on Tuesday.Mendis, 31, has already led Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is and will now take over the Test captaincy from 35-year-old de Silva. The experienced all-rounder decided to step down from his position a few days ago, saying he wanted to “pass the mantle to the next generation”.The upcoming series will mark Mendis’ first assignment as Sri Lanka’s Test captain. The visitors will play two Tests in Pakistan from November 9, with Rawalpindi and Lahore hosting the matches as both sides look to improve their positions in the ongoing WTC cycle.

Nissanka included in the price subject to fitness; Madushanka returns

Batter Pathum Nissanka has been named in the squad, subject to his regaining full fitness before the opening Test. He suffered a hamstring injury during the ODI series in Sri Lanka against England last month, making his availability for the Pakistan tour uncertain.There is also a recall for left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, while Eshan Malinga has earned a place in the tour. After impressive returns in first-class cricket, uncapped batsman Anjala Bandara has been included.The 22-year-old scored 2,239 runs in 46 first-class innings at an average of 65.85, including seven centuries and seven half-centuries. His highest score is an unbeaten 200.However, opener Lahiru Udara, who hit 188 against the West Indies in June, was left out. Wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella also failed to make his mark.

Sri Lanka seeks WTC renewal against Pakistan

Sri Lanka are ranked seventh in the WTC table with a points percentage of 33.33 having recorded one win, two defeats and three draws in the current cycle.Meanwhile, Pakistan are at the bottom with a points percentage of 4.63 after two wins and seven defeats. They will be looking to bounce back from their recent struggles, including a 0-3 Test series defeat against England in the UK.Sri Lanka will also be looking to bounce back after losing 0-1 at home to India, although they managed to secure a draw in the second Test to avoid a series sweep.

  • Sri Lanka Squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya De Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru E Kumara, Fernanda, Mashana, D Asithahand