Left-handed middle order batsman Jehan Mubarak has been given a rebirth to Test cricket after he was named in the 16-man Sri Lanka Test squad to face the visiting Pakistan national team in a three-match series which starts on 17th June at Galle.
The 34-year old Mubarak last played a Test for Sri Lanka against England way back in 2007. He made vast strides in the last two domestic seasons scoring back to back 1000 runs for his club NCC. He will have to fight hard for a place in the Lankan middle order which includes the recalled left-hander Kithruwan Vithanage after his successful ‘A’ team series against Pakistan ‘A’.
Young off-spinner Tharindu Kaushal has also been picked for his impressive showings in the domestic circuits and ‘A’ matches but will fight for the 2nd spinners spot with experienced Dilruwan Perera. The young and raw fast-bowling talent Dushmantha Chameera will battle out for a place in the Lankan final XI with the likes of Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep and Suranga Lakmal (His inclusion will depend how quick he recovers from his groin injury).
Kaushal Silva and Dimuth Karunarathne are expected to open the batting while Lahiru Thirimanne will continue his role as the vice-captain of the team. Kusal Janith Perera and Dinesh Chandimal will take up the gloves behind the stumps and most probably will battle out for one spot.
Overall, the new selection committee headed by Kapila Wijegunawardene has named a solid and promising squad in their first assignment for the national team.
Test squad
Angelo Mathews (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-captain), Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kithruwan Vithanage, Jehan Mubarak, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Tharindu Kaushal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal (subject to fitness).
