SLC announces Sri Lanka squad for the IND vs SL first Test

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) announced a 16-member squad for the first Test of the two-match series against India, starting on August 15. Experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella is making his return to the Test side. He has been included as the wicketkeeper in the absence of Kusal Mendis, who has been ruled out of the opening Test due to injury.

Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the team, while Kamindu Mendis is appointed as his deputy. Batter Pathum Nissanka has also not been included in the squad. The batting lineup features Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, and Sonal Dinusha.

Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Keshara Nuwantha form part of the spin department, while the pace attack comprises Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Dilshan Madushanka, according to Cricinfo.

The first Test will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from August 15 to 19. The series will form part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. Led by Shubman Gill, India is currently fifth in the World Test Championship standings, having registered four wins and four losses in nine matches, with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 48.150. Sri Lanka is in sixth place, with a win, a draw, and two losses.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vc), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

India squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, Devdutt Padikkal, Saransh Jain, and Auqib Nabi