Kusal Mendis to take on wicketkeeper-batter role

• Kamindu Mendis to move up the order
• September 21, special rest day for election

Sri Lankan Chief Selector Upul Tharanga said that Kusal Mendis will take on the role of wicketkeeper-batter for Sri Lanka's upcoming Test series against New Zealand. 

This decision comes as Dinesh Chandimal remains sidelined due to a back injury sustained during the recent tour of England.

The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is set to take place from September 18 to September 30 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The series, which is part of the ICC Test Championship, will be open to the public free of charge.

A notable feature of this series is that September 21, coinciding with Sri Lanka's presidential election, will be designated as a rest day. This arrangement allows players to participate in the election and will extend the series to six days. On this day, Sri Lankan players will travel to their respective villages to vote and will rejoin the team later in the afternoon.

In light of Chandimal's unavailability, Tharanga said that Mendis is expected to bat at No. 7 as the wicketkeeper-batter. "We have an issue with Chandimal being unable to keep, so we are considering either Sadeera Samarawickrema or Kusal at No. 7 as the wicketkeeper-batter if they are selected in the XI," Tharanga explained.

Tharanga also said that Kamindu Mendis will bat higher up the order, though he did not specify who will take the No. 3 position.

Sri Lanka has bolstered its squad by including Oshada Fernando, who impressed with his performances against South Africa A. 

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has confirmed that Sanath Jayasuriya will continue as the interim head coach for this series. Jayasuriya, who took over from Chris Silverwood in July, has led the team to notable successes, including a historic ODI series win over India and a rare Test victory in England.

The last Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Sri Lanka was in 2019, ending in a 1-1 draw. 

In contrast, New Zealand won the most recent two-match Test series 2-0 in New Zealand last year. New Zealand has won 18 out of 39 Test matches against Sri Lanka, while Sri Lanka has won 9, with 11 matches ending in a draw.

For this series, Sri Lanka faces a formidable challenge against the Black Caps, who currently sit third in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. New Zealand has struggled at Galle in the past, with no wins in their four previous attempts at the venue. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's recent Test record at Galle has been inconsistent, with six wins and five losses since 2020.

In addition to the on-field action, the series will see former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath and former Indian batting coach Vikram Rathore join the New Zealand team as spin and batting coaches, respectively.

Sri Lanka will conclude their WTC qualifying campaign with two away Tests against South Africa and two home Tests against Australia, with hopes of securing a place in the WTC final scheduled for June next year at Lord’s.