PAK vs SL | Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal return as Sri Lanka name full-strength squad
In Pakistan's first home Test after 10 years, Dimuth Karunaratne will lead a full-strength Sri Lanka side, with Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal returning to the squad. The team leaves for Pakistan on December 8 where they will play two Test matches as a part of the World Test Championship.
After a successful tour of Pakistan, in which Sri Lanka played three ODIs and as many T20Is, the doubts about security were all quashed. Sri Lanka had promised to send a full-strength Test squad, unlike last time which saw as many as 10 high-profile names withdraw from the list. Karunaratne will lead the Sri Lanka side, with experienced batsmen Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal also in the 16-member squad.
From the squad that played the second Test against New Zealand in August, there has been only one change with Kasun Rajitha replacing leg-spinner Akila Dananjaya who is currently serving a one-year suspension over an illegal action.
The first Test between the two countries will start on December 11 in Rawalpindi followed by the second in Karachi from December 19. It must be noted that the country has not hosted a Test match since the 2009 Lahore terror attack that saw several Sri Lankan cricketers and support staff walk away with several injuries.
Sri Lanka Test squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan
