COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has made two changes to their squad for the second Test against India after suffering a heavy defeat in the series opener in Galle.
Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige have been included in the 14-member squad for Sunday’s Test in Colombo, marking their Test debuts. Meanwhile, Dinesh Chandimal has been ruled out after suffering from a neck injury during the first match.
Opener Nishan Madushka, spin-bowling all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka have also not been included in the squad.
Mishara received his maiden Test call-up after an impressive run of performances in white-ball cricket.
He scored 411 runs in 10 matches in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), and also smashed a blistering 145 off 72 balls for Nondescripts Cricket Club in the Major League T20.
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His left-handed batting provides Sri Lanka with a useful option against the Indian left-arm spin duo — Manav Sutar and Ravindra Jadeja — who did significant damage in the first Test.
Mishara’s recent red-ball performance came in April against New Zealand when he produced the best performance of his career, 174 off 168 balls, playing a key role in securing an innings victory for Sri Lanka.
Arachchige also earned his place in the squad after a strong run in white-ball cricket.
He scored 240 runs across 10 LPL innings and struck 61 off 27 balls for the NNC Major League T20. Besides his batting, Arachchige also bowls right-arm off-spin and has taken 63 wickets in 85 matches; he also scored 4365 runs at an average of 37.95 in the format.
Sri Lanka are likely to field a similar bowling lineup in the second Test. Keshara Nuwantha impressed all with his performance, and he is likely to continue alongside Prabath Jayasuriya in the spin department. Sri Lanka also added all-rounder Milan Rathnayaka to the squad.
Sri Lanka go into the second fixture without two other key batters. Mendis is currently sidelined due to a severe hamstring issue, while Nissanka is still recovering from wrist surgery.
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