Image Source: AFP
[Saba Sports News] Nishan Madushka, the opening batter, has been dropped from Sri Lanka’s squad for the two-Test series against New Zealand, with Oshada Fernando making a return to the team.
Along with Madushka, Nisala Tharaka and Kasun Rajitha, who were part of the Sri Lanka squad during the England tour, have also been excluded from the 16-member squad to face New Zealand.
Fernando recently impressed for Sri Lanka A in the first unofficial Test against South Africa A, scoring 122 and 80, playing a crucial role in their six-wicket win in Kimberley.
Madushka struggled during the England series, with scores of 4, 0, 7, and 13 in the first two Tests before being dropped for the third. His replacement, Pathum Nissanka, delivered stellar performances with unbeaten knocks of 64 and 127*, leading Sri Lanka to victory at The Oval.
The first Test against New Zealand starts on September 18, followed by the second match on September 26. Both Tests, part of the World Test Championship, will be played in Galle.
Sri Lanka Test squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.