Sri Lanka have named a slightly altered squad for their upcoming Test series against South Africa, with left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and top-order batter Oshada Fernando making notable returns. The two-match series, starting November 27 at Kingsmead, Durban, is crucial for both teams as they aim to secure a place in the top two of the World Test Championship standings.
One of the most significant changes in the Sri Lanka squad is the inclusion of Embuldeniya, who hasn’t played a Test in over two years. His last appearance came in November 2021, when he played a key role in Sri Lanka’s victory over the West Indies in Galle. The 30-year-old left-arm spinner has a solid record in South Africa from the 2019 series, where he claimed six wickets at an average of 23.83. This experience, coupled with his recent decent performances in domestic cricket, has earned him a call-up.
Also making his way back into the squad is Oshada Fernando, who impressed during Sri Lanka’s last tour to South Africa, scoring an invaluable 75 in the fourth innings of the final Test in Port Elizabeth. While both Fernando and Embuldeniya have had mixed domestic seasons, their past contributions in South Africa, where conditions are expected to offer more assistance to spin as the matches progress, have influenced their selection.
On the flip side, Ramesh Mendis, who has been a regular feature in Sri Lanka’s Test side in recent years, misses out despite taking six wickets in his only Test appearance this year. Mendis, an off-spin-bowling allrounder, can also contribute with the bat, but his exclusion signals a change in direction for Sri Lanka’s spin strategy.
Instead, Nishan Peiris, a promising offspinner who made his Test debut against New Zealand earlier this year, has been included. His selection adds further depth to Sri Lanka’s spin options alongside Prabath Jayasuriya, who is expected to lead the spin attack.
Sri Lanka’s pace department remains largely unchanged from their recent tours, with Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, and allrounder Milan Rathnayake rounding out the fast-bowling unit. With South African pitches likely to offer pace and bounce early on, the Sri Lankan seamers will play a critical role in providing the necessary breakthroughs, particularly in the early stages of the matches.
Sri Lanka’s selection committee has opted to pull several key players from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand to allow them extra time to recover and prepare for the Test series. Kusal Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka are among those who have been withdrawn, ensuring they have ample rest and time for targeted training ahead of the South Africa Tests.
The Sri Lankan squad is already in Durban for a pre-series training camp, where they are being guided by former South Africa batter Neil McKenzie, who is serving as a consultant for the tour. McKenzie’s experience in South African conditions will be invaluable as the team prepares to face the challenge of their hosts, who are also eyeing a spot in the World Test Championship final.
Read This:- Hasan Murad’s Hat-Trick Headlines Bangladesh’s Solid Warm-Up Show in West Indies
Sri Lanka Squad for South Africa Test Series
– Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
– Pathum Nissanka
– Dimuth Karunaratne
– Dinesh Chandimal
– Angelo Mathews
– Kusal Mendis
– Kamindu Mendis
– Oshada Fernando
– Sadeera Samarawickrama
– Prabath Jayasuriya
– Nishan Peiris
– Lasith Embuldeniya
– Milan Rathnayake
– Asitha Fernando
– Vishwa Fernando
– Lahiru Kumara
– Kasun Rajitha
The first Test is set to begin on November 27 in Durban, with the second match scheduled for December 5 in Gqeberha. As both teams have a chance to secure their place in the top two of the World Test Championship standings, the series is poised to be a crucial contest.
Sri Lanka will look to capitalize on their recent successes in South Africa, with a squad that blends experience and youthful promise, while South Africa will be determined to use home advantage to maintain their push for the WTC final.