‌SL vs NZ | Ramesh Mendis returns as Sri Lanka announces spin-heavy Playing XI for first Test

A day before the inception of the two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, the home side have announced their playing XI with Dhananjaya de Silva leading the troop. They have made a solitary change from their latest encounter against England in the third Test at the Kennington Oval. Right-arm off-spinner Ramesh will be in action along with  Prabath Jayasuriya in the role of primary spinner. In addition, Kamindu Mendis and de Silva are two options that can add depth to their spin department. 

Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando are the only premium pacers in the group, selected on the back of their impressive outing in England. Meanwhile, Rathnayake was unlucky to be left out after serving as a seam bowling all-rounder in English conditions. 

It is also worth noting that the Lankan Lions have restructured their batting department with wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis dropping down to No. 7. Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, and Dhananjaya de Silva are likely to be a part of the middle order while Kamindu’s spot has been promoted to no. 5. Also, Pathum Nissanka retained his opening spot after striking his second Test ton against England in the third Test, helping the Lions secure a glorious victory. 

On the flip side, the Kiwis are arriving on the back of an abandoned one-off Test against Afghanistan as the horrendous weather conditions and ground facilities spoiled the sport in Noida. Having played just six matches and triumphed in half of them, they’re currently situated third in the World Test Championship 2023-25 points table. They’ll be hoping to uplift themselves with a couple of Tests set to be followed by a three-match series against India and England respectively in October and November.

Sri Lanka Playing XI for 1st Test against New Zealand: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva (ca), Kusal Mendis (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.