Niroshan Dickwella has earned a recall to the Sri Lanka Test squad, marking his return to international cricket three years after his last appearance. His inclusion comes as the team prepares for the upcoming Test series against India, with veteran Kusal Mendis sidelined due to a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter is expected to slot into the middle order, likely batting at No. 6 or 7.
Alongside Dickwella, the squad features left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka, who has not played a Test since his debut against Pakistan in 2023. The team also includes two uncapped players: offspinner Keshara Nuwantha, 25, and top-order batter Pasindu Sooriyabandara. Sooriyabandara retains his place in the setup partly due to the continued absence of Pathum Nissanka, who is currently recovering from wrist surgery.
Sri Lanka has opted for an unconventional selection of four specialist fast bowlers, with allrounder Milan Rathnayaka providing a fifth seam-bowling option. Asitha Fernando remains a primary choice for the starting XI, while Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Madushanka compete for the remaining spots. The spin department is led by Prabath Jayasuriya, with Ramesh Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, and the uncapped Nuwantha providing additional depth.
The batting lineup is expected to remain relatively stable, with Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, and captain Dhananjaya de Silva likely occupying the Nos. 3, 4, and 5 positions. Nuwantha, who impressed during a recent Sri Lanka A match against India A in Galle with a five-wicket haul, brings limited first-class experience but significant potential to the side. Conversely, Madushanka has focused heavily on T20 cricket recently and has yet to record a Test wicket.
The series is scheduled to begin in Galle this Saturday, with the second Test concluding at the SSC in Colombo starting August 23. The full squad includes Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka.
Only three front-line spinners have been picked. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya is Sri Lanka's lead slow bowler, but may play alongside either uncapped Nuwantha, or Ramesh Mendis. Sonal Dinusha – the left-arm spinning allrounder – is also in Sri Lanka's 16.
Nuwantha, 25, had impressed in a Sri Lanka A match against India A in Galle last month, taking 5 for 159 in the first innings. In the last week, he also returned with match figures of 3 for 97 against India in the tour match in Colombo. He is inexperienced even in domestic cricket however, with only 15 first-class appe
