Sri Lanka has announced key squad adjustments ahead of the upcoming second Test against Bangladesh, starting June 25 at the SSC in Colombo. Fast bowler Milan Rathnayake has been ruled out due to a side strain, with left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando called up as his replacement.
Rathnayake, who made a significant contribution in the first Test in Galle finishing with four wickets and forming an important 84-run seventh-wicket partnership with Kamindu Mendis briefly left the field on the second morning due to discomfort but returned to play a vital role in Sri Lanka’s control of the match.
In another notable change, 22-year-old Dunith Wellalage has been added to the squad following Angelo Mathews’ retirement from Test cricket. With no direct seam-bowling allrounder in the squad, selectors face a tough decision. The SSC pitch, typically less spin-friendly than Galle, suggests Sri Lanka might favor an extra fast bowler over a spin-bowling allrounder like Wellalage or Sonal Dinusha. If either is selected, Tharindu Rathnayake could miss out.
The fast-bowling unit now features Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and uncapped Isitha Wijesundara. For Mathews’ vacant spot in the batting lineup, options include domestic players Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Pavan Rathnayake, with Oshada Fernando who recently impressed in Sri Lanka A also in contention.
Following this Test, Sri Lanka will not have another red-ball fixture until 2026, marking a significant pause in their Test schedule.
Sri Lanka Squad:
Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Rathnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara.
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