Sri Lanka have responded to their heavy defeat against India in Galle by making two changes to their squad for the must-win second and final Test in Colombo, with uncapped batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige brought in as they look to level the series.
India took a 1-0 lead after a dominant 165-run victory in Galle, where Sri Lanka struggled against the visitors’ spin attack. Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja shared 14 wickets, while Sri Lanka’s batting failed to withstand the pressure across both innings.
Arachchige comes in for Ramesh Mendis and brings both batting depth and an off-spin option. The 30-year-old has been in impressive form, scoring 240 runs across 10 innings in the Lanka Premier League. He also made a strong impression while captaining Sri Lanka A against India A last month, scoring 127 off 207 balls in the first innings.
His red-ball record also makes for encouraging reading. Arachchige has scored 4,365 runs at an average of 37.95 in 85 first-class matches, while his right-arm off-spin has produced 63 wickets.
FRESH FACES TASKED WITH REVIVING SRI LANKA’S FORTUNES
Mishara, meanwhile, has earned his call-up after a prolific run with the bat. He scored 411 runs in 10 matches during the recent Lanka Premier League before producing a stunning 145 off 72 balls for Nondescripts Cricket Club in the Major League T20. His most recent first-class outing was even more impressive, with a 174 off 168 balls against New Zealand A in April.
The left-hander is expected to slot into the opening position alongside Lahiru Udara, replacing Nishan Madushka. His inclusion could also provide Sri Lanka with a left-handed option against India’s left-arm spin duo of Suthar and Jadeja, who caused significant damage in Galle.
Sri Lanka will also have to cope with the absence of experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal, who suffered a neck injury in the first Test. Pasindu Sooriyabandara remains in the squad as his replacement, despite making a first-ball duck on Test debut after coming in as a concussion substitute in Galle.
The hosts are also without Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, leaving their batting unit short of considerable experience. Kusal has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery.
There were, however, positives from the Galle defeat. Keshara Nuwantha impressed on debut and is expected to retain his place alongside Prabath Jayasuriya, while Sri Lanka will hope their batting can show greater resilience in Colombo.
SRI LANKA SQUAD FOR 2ND TEST
Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
– Ends
