Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake and four others have received maiden Test call-up against touring Bangladesh, as the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee Sunday named the 18-member squad for the first test match.
Veteran allrounder Mathews will retire from Test cricket post the first match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.. To fill the void, selectors have shown the faith in Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha and Pavan Rathnayake.
Sooriyabandara, a 25-year-old right-hander is the frontrunner backed by strong performances for Sri Lanka ‘A’. Dinusha, a spin-bowling all-rounder, offers added flexibility with both bat and ball. Pavan Rathnayake, 22, has been on the selectors’ radar for his consistent showing at the ‘A’ level. Known for his solid technique and temperament, he is expected to provide stability in the batting lineup.
In total, the selectors have decided to include six uncapped players in the 18-man squad – Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pawan Ratnayake, Tharindu Ratnayake and Isitha Wijesundara.
The two match test series will commence on 17th June 2025 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Sri Lanka squad:
Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara
