Nuwanidu, Pathirana earn maiden call-ups

Matheesha Pathirana

By Amindha de Alwis

Nuwanidu Fernando and Matheesha Pathirana earned their maiden national call-ups after being included in Sri Lanka’s 18-member squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series versus the touring Australians.

Top-order batsman Fernando had impressed for the SLC Development XI on their recent tour of England, most notably with an unbeaten 126 off 67 balls versus Gloucestershire. 
Fast-bowler Pathirana’s inclusion comes following his unexpected stint playing for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, where he turned heads with his unorthodox sling-arm action. 
The 19-year-old, who is still in his final year of schooling, had previously been with the Chennai franchise as a net bowler before an injury to Adam Milne gave him his opportunity in the final two league games this season.

The squad also sees Bhanuka Rajapaksa back in the fold after a stint with Punjab Kings where he made his runs at a strike rate bordering 160. 

The aggressive left-hander had missed out on selection for Sri Lanka’s most recent limited-overs tours owing to fitness troubles. 

Lakshan Sandakan is another notable returnee, having not featured for the national side since June last year. 

Pathum Nissanka also reclaims his spot at the top of the order, having recovered from the back-injury which left him out of last month’s Test series with Bangladesh. 
Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva have faced the axe, with both batters missing from the squad, while wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella is only among the reserves, leaving Kusal Mendis to handle the wicketkeeping duties. 

Kusal Janith Perera, Binura Fernando, Avishka Fernando and Lahiru Kumara were unavailable for selection due to injuries.

The series will commence on June 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.