SL go spin-heavy for England Tests

Kaushal Silva and Malinda Pushpakumara have been recalled to Sri Lanka’s Test side for the upcoming home Test series against England. Meanwhile, Angelo Mathews, who had been dropped from the limited overs setup over fitness concerns, has been retained.

Pushpakumara, who played in his sole Test series against India at home last year, is among five spinners in the Sri Lankan squad, alongside Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Rangana Herath – playing in his farewell tour – and Dilruwan Perera. Sri Lanka’s pace contingent is fairly straightforward with the inexperienced duo of Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara, with just 14 Tests between them, being led by the now-veteran Suranga Lakmal. Kumara’s participation, however, is subject to him overcoming some niggling injury concerns. If he is ruled out, he is likely to be replaced by Dushmantha Chameera.

On the batting front, Sri Lanka have named a fairly settled top order with Silva being the only change. The diminutive opener’s return was made possible because of Danushka Gunathilaka’s back injury, though he had impressed in a recent two-day practice game against South Africa. He is likely to open the innings with Dimuth Karunaratne, while Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roshen Silva and Niroshan Dickwella are all up for the remaining middle order spots. Sri Lanka will play three Tests against England, the first of which starts on 6 November in Galle.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Dinesh Chandimal (Capt.), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roshen Silva, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Malinda Pushpakumara, Akila Dananjaya, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Kumara (subject to fitness). (MB)