Akila Dananjaya has been finally been selected in the Sri Lankan Test squad for the two-match series against Bangladesh. He is Sri Lanka’s vital cog in limited-overs cricket and now he will accompany spinners like Rangana Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, and Dilruwan Perera.

Amongst the pacers, Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara with Dasun Shanaka and Vishwa Fernando have been dropped as they were part of the squad during the three-match Test series against India.

Sadeera Samarawickrama and Lahiru Thirimanne have also been dropped despite the fact that Thirimane was part of the first two Tests against India. However, Sri Lanka’s top-order looks sorted with the return of Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis.

With no Thirimanne, the Suranga Lakmal will be the deputy skipper as he will also be the pace spearhead of the team. This is not the first time Lakmal has been handed a huge responsibility. Meanwhile, Asela Gunaratne who is named in the ODI squad for Bangladesh tri-series is dropped for the Tests.

Sri Lanka will begin their journey in Bangladesh with the tri-series followed by the first Test at Chittagong from January 31.

Sri Lanka Tests squad: Dinesh Chandimal (c), Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Suranga Lakmal (vc),Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roshen Silva, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Dushmantha Chameera, Lakshan Sandakan, Akila Dananjaya, Lahiru Gamage and Lahiru Kumara