Sri Lanka Announces Squad for England Tests

Sri Lanka include Vandersay for England Tests / Getty Images

Sri Lanka has unveiled an 18-member squad for their upcoming three-match Test series against England. The squad, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, includes two uncapped players, Nisala Tharaka and Milan Rathnayake. Notably, Jeffrey Vandersay makes a return to the Test squad, having last played a Test in 2022.

The squad boasts a mix of experience and youth, with Tharaka and Rathnayake bringing their domestic circuit expertise to the table. They will serve as backups for the established pace bowlers Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha.

The spin department will be handled by Vandersay, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Ramesh Mendis, along with skipper Dhananjaya. The batting line-up remains familiar, with Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka opening, followed by Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Dhananjaya.

The first Test is set to commence in Manchester on August 21, followed by the second Test at Lord's from August 29, and the final Test at The Oval from September 6.

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.

🚨 Sri Lanka Test Squad for England Tour Announced 🚨 #ENGvSL pic.twitter.com/elussddz7y

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 7, 2024