Sri Lanka announce squad for first Test against India, two stars sits out

Sri Lanka has finally announced their squad for the first Test against India, which is slated to get underway from August 15 in Galle. Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the Sri Lanka's 15-member pack with star all-rounder Kamindu Mendis as vice-captain. The hosts, however, face a tough test in this key World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-2027 encounter, as key top-order figures Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka have both been forced to sit out due to injury.

Sri Lanka unveil squad for opening Test vs India

To bridge the gap behind the stumps created by Kusal's absence, selectors have handed a surprise recall to veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella, bringing the 33-year-old back into the Test fold after a three-year hiatus. The bowling attack features a balanced mix of form and variety, headlined by a rising 25-year-old off-spinner who impressed with a three-wicket haul during last week's tour match in Colombo and a five-wicket bag against India A in Galle. Complementing the spin department is a heavy five-pronged pace battery, anchored by left-arm seamers Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.

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Sri Lanka's spin-heavy attack

All eyes will naturally turn to Sri Lanka’s slow-bowling arsenal and the notoriously spin-friendly pitch in Galle. The home side's primary attack hinges on the frontline duo of Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis, both poised to exploit the typical turn and bounce offered by the venue.

Should the main pairing need support, the Sri Lankan roster boasts remarkable flexibility. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva offers reliable off-break coverage, complemented by vice-captain Kamindu Mendis, whose unique ambidextrous ability allows him to switch between right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox. Specialist slow left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha provides additional depth in the middle overs.

Rounding out the spin contingency is uncapped off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha, who earned his inaugural Test selection for this series. His inclusion gives the hosts the tactical option to deploy a three-pronged specialist spin attack if the surface dictates a heavy spin strategy.

Sri Lanka squad for first Test against India:

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