Nissanka back in fold for second Test against Aussies

Wednesday, 5 February 2025 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Pathum Nissanka has few words with Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya during practice

Will open batting with Karunaratne appearing in his 100th Test
Dimuth has achieved it through sheer hard work – Jayasuriya

Sa’adi Thawfeeq reporting from Galle

Already one-down in the two-match Test series for the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy, Sri Lanka will gladly welcome the return of opening batsman Pathum Nissanka to the fold for the second Cricket Test against Australia which begins at the Galle International Cricket Stadium tomorrow.

Nissanka was forced to miss the first Test which Sri Lanka lost by a record margin of an innings and 242 runs at this venue as he was recovering from a groin strain sustained during the third T20I against New Zealand last month.

Nissanka who was named in Sri Lanka’s Test squad of 18 for the series, stayed back in Colombo during the first Test undergoing rehabilitation for the injury. He joined the squad on Sunday and started practicing yesterday.

“There is no problem with Pathum, he is batting in the middle. He will replace Oshada,” said Head Coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

Oshada Fernando who took Nissanka’s place for the first Test failed in both innings being dismissed for scores of 7 and 6.

That is expected to be the only change in the batting order.

Nissanka will pair off with Dimuth Karunaratne in the openers slot. Karunaratne will be making his 100th Test appearance before retiring from cricket and what better partner to have than Nissanka who has opened with him on 9 occasions of the 15 Tests he’s played to-date. Nissanka is 83 runs shy of reaching 1000 runs in Test cricket and what better occasion to do it with Karunaratne as his senior partner.

Jayasuriya who is one of six Sri Lankan cricketers to play in over 100 Tests paid a tribute to Karunaratne.

“As a cricketer it’s a really big achievement. Test match is a unique game, to play 100 Tests is a lifetime achievement. That is what every cricketer strives to achieve. Dimuth has achieved it through sheer hard work. It is not easy. The effort he is putting at practice for his 100th Test is the same as he had for his first Test. That’s the good thing about him. He is working very hard to make it a memorable Test for him.”

With the Galle surface assisting spin Sri Lanka has brought in off-spinning all-rounder Ramesh Mendis into the squad relieving left-arm fast bowler Vishwa Fernando. Mendis who captains Moors SC has taken 24 wickets in 5 matches at an average of 21.91. In 15 Tests he has 69 wickets taken at an average of 30.65.

No decision has been made on what the bowling combination is going to be like as the wicket for the second Test is still under preparation.

Both Sri Lanka and Australia went with three spinners and one seamer for the first Test.

Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event including Valentine ’s Day. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Flower Bouquets, Clothing, Watches, Lingerie, Gift Sets and Jewellery. Also if you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.