Sri Lanka announce Test squad for the home series against West Indies

Sri Lanka announce Test squad for the home series against West Indies: Sri Lanka has announced their 15-man squad led by Angelo Matthews for the upcoming Test series at home against the West Indies.

There were two notable changes made in the squad. The experienced Upul Tharaga and Jehan Mubarak have been left out of the squad. Young wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis and all-rounder Milinda Siriwardane have been named as replacement for both the players.

Milinda Siriwardane recently made his ODI debut for Sri Lanka versus Pakistan and was highly expected to make his Test debut soon. His domestic performances have also been outstanding. He recently emerged as the top scorer in the recently finished first class season.

However, Kusal Mendis’ selection comes as a surprise. He captained the U-19 squad in the Youth World Cup and is looked forward as a bright future prospect fro Sri Lanka.

Tharanga and Mubarak’s exclusion is not at all surprising as both have failed to capitalise the opportunities given to them.

Upul Tharanga made his comeback to the Test side in 2014 after being dropped in the the year 2007. He has deliberately failed to score big for Sri Lanka. Since making his comeback, he could only score one half-century in the 12 innings.

Jehan Mubarak also failed to earn the confidence of the Sri Lankan selectors. He too had made a comeback to national team but was unable to live up to the promise.

Apart from that, the selectors did not make any drastic change in the the squad. Tharindu Kaushal, who was reported for a suspect bowling action and was barred from bowling doosra, has been retained in the squad along with veteran Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.

Dhammika Prasad. Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep and youngster Dushmantha Chameera are the seamers who have made to the squad.

The first Test commences on October 14 in Galle with the second Test scheduled at the P. Sara Oval in Colombo from October 22.

Sri Lanka will try regain pride after two successive defeats to Pakistan and India.

Sri Lanka squad for the Test series against West Indies:

Angelo Mathews (c), Lahiru Thirimanne (vc), Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Milinda Siriwardene, Kusal Mendis, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, P.H.T. Kaushal, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera