Squad Announcement for First Test
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming first Test against India. The match is scheduled to commence on August 15 in Galle. Dhananjaya De Silva will lead the side, with Kamindu Mendis serving as his deputy.
The squad sees the return of veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella to the Test side. His inclusion follows the unavailability of regular wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, who has been ruled out of the first Test due to an injury. Dickwella last played for Sri Lanka in this format against New Zealand in 2023.
Another notable absence from the squad for the opening match is experienced batter Pathum Nissanka, who is continuing his recovery from wrist surgery. These changes open opportunities for other players within the team.
The full Sri Lanka squad for the first Test against India includes:
- Dhananjaya De Silva (captain)
- Lahiru Udana
- Nishan Madushka
- Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain)
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Sonal Dinusha
- Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper)
- Ramesh Mendis
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Keshara Nuwantha
- Milan Rathnayake
- Asitha Fernando
- Lahiru Kumara
- Vishwa Fernando
- Dilshan Madushanka
New Faces and Returns
The squad features several players who could be in contention for their Test debuts or are making a return to the national side. Batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara has been included and may make his Test debut, having shown impressive performances in domestic cricket. Similarly, right-arm off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, who has built a strong record in domestic competitions, is also in line for a potential Test debut.
Left-arm pacer Dilshan Madushanka has also been recalled to the squad. His last and sole Test appearance was in 2023 against Pakistan. His return is expected to add more strength and variety to Sri Lanka’s pace attack. The hosts have three specialist spinners in Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Keshara Nuwantha, while their pace department includes Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
The batting options for Sri Lanka, beyond the captain and vice-captain, consist of Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha. With home conditions anticipated to play a significant role in the series, Sri Lanka will rely on its experienced players, including Chandimal and the returning Dickwella, as they prepare to face India’s Test side.
ICC World Test Championship Context
This two-match series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Sri Lanka currently holds the sixth position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, with a points percentage of 41.67. They have played four matches in the championship, securing one victory.
India, led by Shubman Gill, are positioned just above Sri Lanka in fifth place in the standings. India has a points percentage of 48.150, having played nine Tests and recorded four victories and four losses.
The series schedule includes two matches. The first Test will be held from August 15-19 in Galle, followed by the second Test from August 23-27 in Colombo.
The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Source: icc-cricket.com
