Sri Lanka have named an extended 21-member squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa starting later this month. Here’s all you need to know.
The main headlines are that Angelo Mathews misses out due to a hamstring injury and that Dimuth Karunaratne retains the captaincy.
The squad that has been picked is the same that underwent a 10-day training camp in Pallekele in preparation for the tour and includes recalls for Dushmantha Chameera, Kusal Perera and Dasun Shanaka.
The extended party also includes five uncapped Test players in Minod Bhanuka, Asitha Fernando, Santhush Gunathilaka, Wanindu Hasaranga and Dilshan Madushanka.
Sri Lanka will be playing their first Test match in 11 months, having last taken the field against Zimbabwe back in January.
Sri Lanka have won the last four Tests between the sides, including an historic 2-0 series whitewash in South Africa at the start of 2019, a series which included Kusal Perera’s 153*, cited as one of the greatest Test innings of all time.
The series will form part of the World Test Championship, though both sides are only outside bets of making the final.
Sri Lanka squad for South Africa Test series
Test squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Embuldeniya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Santhush Gunathilake, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
Click here to view the complete schedule and fixtures of the South Africa v Sri Lanka 2020/21 series.
