Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Visitors announce a full strength squad for the Test series

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), earlier this year was successful in bringing international cricket back to its country and Sri Lanka played three T20Is and as many ODIs. And, now they are set to end a decade long drought of Test cricket. Pakistan are scheduled to play against Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series starting from 11 December. And, the visitors have announced a full-strength squad for the same.

During Sri Lanka’s previous Pakistan tour, the tourists lost the ODI series by 2-0. But they blanked the hosts in the shortest format even without their top players who had backed out citing security concerns. However, they went on to lose against Australia Down Under in the T20Is despite the experienced players making their comeback.

Kasun Rajitha picked in Sri Lanka squad for two-match Test series against Pakistan

As far as the Test squad for the Pakistan tour is concerned, Sri Lanka have made only one change to their squad which drew the series against New Zealand at home. Kasun Rajitha has been included in the 16-man squad while Akila Dananjaya has been left out after his action was found illegal during the previous series.

Dimuth Karunaratne, who was the leading scorer in the series against New Zealand, continues to lead the side in Tests. He had amassed 247 runs in three games with one ton and one fifty. Sri Lanka have also included Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, and Angelo Mathews, who had given decent performances in their previous outings.

The bowling line up looks quite strong that will be led by Suranga Lakmal, who is the most experienced bowler in the team with 59 Tests. Lasith Embuldeniya, who was the leading wicket-taker for the Islanders in the two-match test series, Lahiru Kumara, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando and Lakshan Sandakan are the other bowlers in the team.

This series will be the part of ICC Test Championship in which Sri Lanka is ranked 4th with 56 points whereas Pakistan is on the sixth position. The first Test will begin from 11th of December at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi followed by the next game on 19th at National Stadium in Karachi. 

Sri Lanka Test squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan

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