Uncapped Sadeera Samarawickrama and Roshen Silva have been added to the Sri Lanka Test squad to take on Pakistan in the upcoming two-match series in the UAE.
Angelo Mathews doubtful for first Pakistan Test
Former Captain Angelo Mathews has strained his calf muscle during a practice session in Colombo…
The newly-appointed selection committee led by Graeme Labrooy has picked a 15-man squad and the team will fly to the UAE on Sunday (24th) with the series to be started on 28th September in Abu Dhabi. The 2nd Test will be a day & night encounter in Dubai, Sri Lanka’s first instance playing with the pink ball under lights.
22-year old Samarawickrama was the top run-getter in the 2016/17 SLC Premier Club tournament aggregating 1016 runs in 19 innings, in 10 matches, smashing 6 fifties and 3 centuries for Colts Cricket Club.
Over the past decade, Silva has made a name for himself as one of the most prolific batmen in the domestic arena averaging close to 50. He has struck over 6000 runs in more than 100 first-class appearances with 18 tons and 26 half-centuries.
Silva’s inclusion has been largely due to Angelo Mathews’ calf injury which he sustained during training. The former Captain was initially ruled out of the first Test only but has not been named in the squad for the whole series.
Mr. ‘Consistent’ Roshene Silva – Keeping the Faith
“It’s all part of the game” is Roshene Silva’s response to being asked if he feels unfortunate to have not made…
Diminutive opening batsman Kaushal Silva who last played a Test match in January against the Proteas’ has also been added to the squad and will most probably slot into the opening spot vacated by Upul Tharanga, who will not play the longer version of the game for the next 6 months.
Stylish batsman Lahiru Thirimanne made two half-centuries in three ODIs against India has also been named in the touring party and has also been named vice-captain of the side, despite him not being a part of the Test set up for more than a year.
Despite capturing only 2 wickets in the three-match series against India, Dilruwan Perera will make up the spin contingent along with veteran Rangana Herath and chinaman Lakshan Sandakan.
Sadeera Samarawickrama – Ready for the big stage
On a lovely Friday evening back in March in 2013, a Josephian batsman named Sadeera Rashen Samarawickrama…
Fast bowling duo, Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal are deemed fit and will most likely share the new ball with left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando and right-arm medium seamer Lahiru Gamage providing back-up.
Left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara and right-arm speedster Lahiru Kumara who were a part of the squad which faced India have been left out.
Sri Lanka Test squad – Dimuth Karunarathne, Kaushal Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal (Captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (Vice-Captain), Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Gamage, Vishwa Fernando.
WATCH – The story of Nuwan Thushara – Podi Malinga
