Sri Lanka have announced a 22-man squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against West Indies, starting on November 21. The Galle International Stadium will host both the Test matches, which is a part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship.
Charith Asalanka, who was Sri Lanka’s highest run-scorer in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, has earned a spot in the Test squad. On the other hand, Dushmantha Chameera, who missed the Bangladesh tour due to personal commitments, has been recalled.
There have been few other call-ups in the side as well, with opening batter Minod Bhanuka and all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne making a comeback.
With the likes of leg-spinner Suminda Lakshan, batter Kamil Mishara and pacer Chamila Gunasekerahree, three uncapped players also make the cut into the Test squad.
The spin attack consists of Lasith Embuldeniya and Lakshan Sandakan, who made a return after recovering from thigh injury.
The team will be led by Dimuth Karunaratne, along with a veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathew.
It is to be noted that the West Indies hasn’t won a single Test match against Sri Lankans on their home turf in the last three decades. The teams have faced each other 11 times, wherein West Indies lost on seven occasions and managed to draw only four times.
The Windies, however, won a Test series against Pakistan in August and gained their first point in the ICC World Test Championship, whereas Sri Lanka are yet to open their account.
The second match of the series will take place from November 29 to December 3.
Here is Sri Lanka’s squad for West Indies Tests:
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Angelo Mathews, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Minod Bhanuka, Kamil Mishara, Roshen Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Lasith Embuldeniya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Suminda Lakshan, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Gunasekara.
