Thirimanne recalled for NZ tour

• Thirimanne back in Test squad after a year out
• SL name five fast-bowlers as Nuwan Pradeep and Dushmantha Chameera return
• Dimuth Karunaratne named Vice Captain

By Madushka Balasuriya

Lahiru Thirimanne was the surprise inclusion in the Sri Lanka squad for their two Test series in New Zealand this month, while Sadeera Samarawickrama was the other player to benefit from an extra two touring slots, as an extended 17-man squad was announced.

Dinesh Chandimal will continue to lead the side, having recovered from a groin strain that saw him miss the last two Tests against England. Meanwhile, Dimuth Karunaratne has been rewarded for his consistency with the vice captaincy ahead of Suranga Lakmal, who captained the side against England in Chandimal’s absence. 

Danushka Gunathilaka will likely slot into opener’s role alongside Karunaratne, replacing Kaushal Silva who had a forgettable series against England. The rest of the batting line-up remains unchanged.

The only major change in the squad is the exclusion of Akila Dananjaya, who is awaiting the results of a bowling action assessment. This means that Sri Lanka will be going in with just the two frontline spinners in Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan.

The move is unsurprising with conditions in New Zealand expected to favour seam bowling for the most part; as such Sri Lanka have gone for five pacers, with Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep, joining the likes of Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, and Lakmal.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Dinesh Chandimal (Capt.), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera