Sri Lanka include Vandersay for England Tests

Sri Lanka have announced an 18-member squad, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, for the three-match Test series against England.   

Nisala Tharaka and Milan Rathnayake are the two uncapped players in the squad which also sees the return of Jeffrey Vandersay to the longest format.   

Vandersay, who played a lone Test in 2022 and recently picked a six-wicket haul against India in the second ODI, has been included in the squad and could be handy with his leg-breaks in English conditions.   

Much like he had done in the ODI series against India, Vandersay came in as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who had come out of Test retirement for Sri Lanka’s previous Test series against Bangladesh earlier this year.   

Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis are the other spin options for Sri Lanka along with the skipper.   

Tharaka (33) and Rathnayake (28) are experienced pacers in the domestic circuit, with the former having played 107 First-Class matches in which he has picked up 257 wickets.   

Rathnayake has featured in 39 First-Class matches and has bagged 79 wickets. They will serve as the backup for the likes of Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha in the pace department.   

Sri Lanka have opted for a familiar batting line-up with openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka, followed by Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya. Kamindu Mendis, apart from his batting skills, also brings his ambidextrous bowling to the table.   

Sri Lanka’s first Test against England will be played in Manchester from August 21. This will be followed by the second Test at Lord’s from August 29 while the final Test will be held at The Oval from September 6.   

Sri Lanka Squad for England Tests: Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (Vice-Captain), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay and Milan Rathnayake. (Agencies)