Sri Lanka have recalled experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella for the first Test against India, with the selectors opting for experience to fill the vacancy created by Kusal Mendis’ injury.
The first Test of the series is scheduled to begin at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on August 15.
Dickwella, 33, will replace Mendis, who has been ruled out of the series after suffering a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League.
The recall represents a return to Test cricket for Dickwella, who last played for Sri Lanka in the longest format three years ago against New Zealand in Christchurch.
With a shortage of established wicketkeeper-batters in the domestic setup, the selectors have opted for Dickwella ahead of uncapped Anjala Bandara. While Dickwella’s recent form with the bat has not been particularly impressive, his experience and wicketkeeping credentials have worked in his favour.
Dickwella represented Sri Lanka ‘A’ against India ‘A’ in the first unofficial four-day match at Galle earlier this year, scoring 10 and nine. He was left out of the second unofficial Test, with Bandara preferred.
However, Dickwella now has another opportunity to reclaim his place in the national side.
He has played 54 Tests for Sri Lanka, scoring 22 half-centuries, with a highest score of 96. A maiden Test century remains elusive.
Madushanka recalled, Nuwantha earns maiden call-up
Sri Lanka have also recalled left-arm fast-medium bowler Dilshan Madushanka for the opening Test.
Madushanka has played just one Test, against Pakistan at the SSC three years ago, but has remained a regular member of Sri Lanka’s ODI and T20I squads.
The selectors have also included uncapped off-spinner Keshara Nuwantha in the 16-member squad.
The 25-year-old St Servatius College, Matara product impressed during the recent matches against India.
He took 1 for 40 and 2 for 57 in Sri Lanka’s three-day warm-up match against India at the NCC Grounds, while he claimed five wickets in the second unofficial four-day match against India ‘A’ in Galle.
Nuwantha finished with 5 for 159 from 50.3 overs as India ‘A’ amassed 543.
His first-class record is also impressive, with 64 wickets at an average of 22.12 from 15 matches.
His inclusion provides additional support for left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, with Sri Lanka lacking an established specialist off-spinner in the squad.
Experienced off-spinner Ramesh Mendis has also been included.
Mendis last played a Test against Australia in Galle in 2025 before losing his place to ambidextrous spinner Tharindu Rathnayake for the subsequent home series against Bangladesh.
He was recalled for Sri Lanka’s Test tour of the Caribbean in June but did not feature in either match.
Madushka set to open
With Pathum Nissanka still recovering from wrist surgery, Nishan Madushka is expected to open the batting alongside Lahiru Udara.
Madushka strengthened his case with twin half-centuries in Sri Lanka’s three-day warm-up match against India.
Nissanka’s availability for the second Test will depend on his recovery and whether he is able to prove his fitness by playing domestic cricket for NCC.
Sri Lanka have made four changes from the 17-member squad that toured the Caribbean for their most recent Test series.
Kusal Mendis and Nissanka are unavailable because of injury, while fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and Isitha Wijesundara have been left out.
Sri Lanka squad for first Test
Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Keshara Nuwantha.
The first Test against India will be played in Galle from August 15 to 19, with Sri Lanka hoping their blend of experience and emerging talent can make an impact against one of the world’s leading Test sides.
