Sri Lanka name two uncapped players in Test squad to face England

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Sri Lanka have called up uncapped pacer Milan Rathnayake and all-rounder Nisala Tharaka for the three-match Test series against England, starting 21 August.

The 33-year-old Tharaka has played 107 first-class matches, grabbing 257 wickets and scoring 2358 runs. This is his maiden call-up for the national side. Meanwhile, Rathnayake has previously been named in the Test squad for the one-off Test against Afghanistan earlier this year and the tour of New Zealand last year, but never won a cap.

Apart from the two uncapped players, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Lahiru Kumara will take up fast-bowling duties with veteran Angelo Mathews also included.

The squad led by Dhananjaya de Silva sees the return of batter Pathum Nissanka and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay. Both the players made their last appearance in the longest format in 2022. Vandersay’s inclusion comes after his impressive career-best haul against India in the second ODI when he picked 6/33.

Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis are the other two spin-bowling options for Sri Lanka.

Kusal Mendis, who was recently replaced by Charith Asalanka as the ODI skipper, will act as De Silva’s deputy.

The first Test between Sri Lanka and England will be played in Manchester, between 21 and 25 August. Sri Lanka (50 PCT) are placed fourth in the WTC Standings while England (36.54 PCT) are positioned sixth.

Sri Lanka Squad: 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