Flamboyant wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella is set to make a return to Sri Lanka's Test setup after being named in a 16-member squad for the opening Test against India in Galle.
The experienced wicketkeeper-batter is the headline inclusion in the squad announced by the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee ahead of the first Test, which will be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium from Aug. 15 to 19.
Dickwella's return adds a significant element of experience to a Sri Lankan side preparing to face India in a two-match Test series that forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
The squad will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva, with Kamindu Mendis named vice-captain. Veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal is also included, giving Sri Lanka a strong core of experienced Test players.
Dickwella will be joined by Chandimal, Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha in the batting group.
Sri Lanka have also opted for a strong spin presence for the Galle Test, with Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis included.
The pace attack features Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka, while Keshara Nuwantha completes the 16-man squad.
Dickwella's experience
Niroshan Dickwella's selection is likely to attract considerable attention as Sri Lanka look to find the right balance between experience and youth against a strong Indian side.
His return gives the hosts an experienced wicketkeeper familiar with the demands of Test cricket and the conditions at Galle. With India's batsmen expected to face a significant spin challenge, Sri Lanka's wicketkeeping performance could also prove important as the match progresses.
Both teams will be eager to secure victory in the series opener with valuable World Test Championship points on offer.
For Sri Lanka, the focus will now shift to final preparations in Galle, with Dickwella's return providing one of the biggest talking points ahead of the series opener.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
