The 17-man Sri Lankan Test squad has been announced for the upcoming New Zealand tour where Sri Lanka will play the two-match Test series, prior to the limited-overs matches on that tour.
The struggling Sri Lankan cricket team is now focusing for the upcoming two-match Test series on the New Zealand Tour, starting on December 15. Lahiru Thirimanne, Nuwan Pradeep and Sadeera Samarawickrama have returned to the Test squad. All of them haven’t played a Test match in this calendar year as they have played their last Test in 2017.
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On the other hand, Charith Asalanka, Nishan Peiris, Malinda Pushpakumara and Kaushal Silva have been dropped out from the Test squad who were included during the recently concluded home Test series against England. Off-spinner Akila Dananjaya also has been dropped out from the Test squad who is awaiting the results of his biomechanics test that he faced after he was reported for his bowling action.
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Dinesh Chandimal has returned as captain for the upcoming away Test series. The 29-year-old missed the last two Tests of the recently concluded three-match home Test series against England due to a groin strain.
While New Zealand is currently at the fourth position in the Test ranking, Sri Lanka is struggling in this format as they are currently standing at no.7 Test ranking. In the recently concluded three-match Test series, the visitors England whitewashed (won by 3-0) the hosts Sri Lanka and won their first Test series in Sri Lanka since 2001.
Sri Lankan full Test squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour: Dinesh Chandimal (capt), Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera
Two-match Test series schedule during Sri Lanka tour of New Zealand 2018/19
December 15-19: First Test – Basin Reserve (Wellington)
December 26-30: Second Test – Hagley Oval (Christchurch)
