Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad for Zimbabwe Tests

Dinesh Chandimal, vice-captain of the Sri Lanka Test team, was not selected in the fifteen-man squad for the two-Test series against Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe starting October 29, due to an injury. 

Chandimal had injured his thumb during a domestic game last month, and needed operation on the injured finger. He failed to recover sufficiently from the blow and has missed out on the series against the African nation. 

Niroshan Dickwella, the wicket-keeper batsman, who last played a Test for Sri Lanka in December 2014, was named in the side. Kasun Madushanka, who was part of the Sri Lanka Development side for their tour to South Africa and Zimbabwe earlier this year, was named in the side as well, and will make his Sri Lanka debut if picked in starting XI. Madushanka is a right-arm pacer who has played 48 first-class matches.

Lahiru Kumara, a 19 year-old pacer from Kandy, has been fast-tracked into the Test squad some impressive performances in under-19 cricket. Kumara has only played two FC matches till date. 

Another new face in the side is pacer Lahiru Gamage. Gamage last played for Sri Lanka in a One-Day International in July 2015.

The squad bears a fresh and inexperienced pace attack, and will be led by their captain Angelo Mathews and Suranga Lakmal. The leader of the attack will be their left-armer Rangana Herath, who will be partnered by Lakshan Sandakan, the chinaman bowler, who impressed in the home series against Australia.

Amongst the batsmen, 30 year-old Asela Gunaratne, a veteran of 66 FC matches, has been picked in the side. Gunaratne has played one Two International for Sri Lanka, against India earlier this year. 

Squad - 1. Angelo Mathews (C), Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Lahiru Gamage, Suranga Lakmal, Asela Gunaratne

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