Sri Lanka’s preparations for the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan have suffered a significant blow with the withdrawal of top-order batsman Pathum Nissanka. The 27-year-old opener, who has been battling a left hamstring injury since September, was unable to regain the required fitness levels to participate in the tour. His absence comes as a disappointment to the team, which had initially included him in the 15-member squad under the condition that he would only travel upon receiving full medical clearance.
The hamstring injury was sustained during Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour of England earlier this year. This physical setback also forced Nissanka to miss the subsequent T20I series against Pakistan and recently ruled him out of an ODI tri-series. The current development marks another hurdle in his return to the longest format of the game, as he had previously missed the home Test series against India in August due to a separate wrist injury.
To fill the vacancy left by Nissanka, the team management has drafted Lahiru Udara into the squad. Udara is already present in Pakistan, having been part of the touring group for the white-ball leg of the trip. He brings a degree of international experience to the side, having played five Tests for Sri Lanka to date. His last notable performance in the format was a resilient 188-run innings against the West Indies in Antigua, and he was also involved in the team's recent Test assignments against India.
The upcoming two-Test series is a critical component of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle. Both nations are looking to improve their current standings in the table, with Sri Lanka presently placed seventh and Pakistan in ninth. The matches are slated to take place at venues in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with the opening fixture scheduled to begin on November 9.
Leadership for the series will rest with Kusal Mendis, who was appointed as the team’s skipper earlier this month. The squad for the two-match assignment features a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents. Alongside the captain, the selectors have included experienced players such as Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis. The bowling unit sees the return of Dilshan Madushanka, while Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara have also received call-ups.
The full updated squad for the series includes Kusal Mendis (captain), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Milan Rathnayake. The bowling attack is further bolstered by Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, and Eshan Malinga, with Lahiru Udara providing batting depth.
As the team shifts its focus toward the Test matches, the focus remains on regaining momentum within the World Test Championship standings. Despite the injury concerns surrounding key personnel like Nissanka, the visiting side is expected to rely on their experienced core to navigate the conditions in Rawalpindi and Lahore. The series represents a vital opportunity for both Pakistan and Sri Lanka to secure crucial points in the global standings as the competition progresses.
Comments