Sri Lanka name squad for Ireland Test

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have announced their 15-member squad for the first cricket Test against Ireland beginning April 16 in Galle.

Sadeera Samarawickrama, who played the last of his four Test matches in 2017, could take the gloves in Galle with Niroshan Dickwella dropped from the squad.

Oshada Fernando, who was also part of the New Zealand tour, was dropped while uncapped leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha earned a maiden call-up.

Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and Lasith Embuldeniya are the other spinners in the squad.

Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara are reportedly rested for the Test with Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando and the uncapped Milan Rathnayake, who was also part of the New Zealand tour, being the pace bowling options.

While Samarawickrama is part of the squad, he would have to ward off competition from Nishan Madushka, who made his debut as the wicketkeeper in New Zealand.

Pathum Nissanka, who was not considered for the New Zealand tour, continues to remain on the sidelines. Nissanka averages close to 40 after nine Tests, but fell out of favour after an ordinary series against Australia at home.

Dimuth Karunaratne continues to lead the side that has a strong batting core led by Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal. Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva and the two wicketkeepers — Samarawickrama and Madushka — are the other batters in the squad.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Nishan Madushka (wicketkeeper), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wicketkeeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dushan Hemantha, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake.