Rathnayake to make Test debut

Tall lanky six foot right arm medium fast bowler from Kurunegala Milan Rathnayake will make his Test debut in the first Test against England starting at Old Trafford, Manchester on Wednesday.

28-year-old Rathnayake who made his first-class debut in 2016 has 81 wickets to his credit at an average of 32.08.

Rathnayake won selection as Sri Lanka’s third seamer with an impressive bowling performance in the 4-day warm-up game against England Lions at Worcester. 

He will team up with seamers Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando. Prabath Jaya suriya will be the only specialist spinner.

Sri Lanka announced a playing squad of 7 batsmen and 4 bowlers.

SRI LANKA XI: Dimuth Karuna ratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jaya suriya, Milan Ratnayake, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando. 

- (ST)