Eshan Malinga called up for Pakistan Tests; Dickwella dropped
Uncapped wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara, who averages under 66 in first-class cricket, has also been picked in the Kusal Mendis-led squad
Sri Lanka have handed out call-ups to fast-bowler Eshan Malinga and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara for the two-Test tour of Pakistan in November, while also recalling left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka. Bandara replaces Niroshan Dickwella, who was recalled for the home Tests against India in August but has been left out, while Kusal Mendis returns for his first series as Test captain, having been appointed after Dhananjaya de Silva stepped down.
While Malinga has been a regular presence in the shorter formats, this is his first Test call-up, having played 19 first-class matches for 44 wickets at an average of 31.15. The 22-year old Bandara, meanwhile, has been rewarded for a stellar first-class record where he averages 65.85 after 31 games, scoring seven fifties and as many hundreds with a best of 200*.
*subject to fitness clearance
Openers Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, both of whom played the second Test against India in Colombo, have been dropped, as has all-rounder Sahan Arachchige, who was called up for that Test. Dinesh Chandimal returns after being subbed out of the first Test in Galle for concussion. Much like with the ODI squad for the preceding tri-series, Pathum Nissanka is a conditional selection and will travel only if declared medically fit.
Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha are the frontline spin options besides all-rounder Sonal Dinusha, who enjoyed a breakout series against India. The pace attack comprises Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando besides Malinga and Madushanka, while Vishwa Fernando has been dropped.
The two Tests in Rawalpindi (November 9-13) and Lahore (November 17-21) are both part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle, where Sri Lanka are currently seventh with a PCT of 33.33 and Pakistan at the bottom with a PCT of 4.63.
