Sri Lanka have named a 16-member team squad for two Tests in Pakistan in the first instance of Test cricket in Pakistan in a decade. The only change in the Sri Lankan squad from the one that played New Zealand in August is the inclusion of fast bowler Kasun Rajitha in place of spinner Akila Dananjaya who has been banned for 12 months due to an illegal action.
26-year-old Rajitha has so far played six Tests and has taken 23 wickets. He was the second-highest wicket-taker from either side when Sri Lanka registered a 2-0 Test series win in South Africa earlier this year. Rajitha is part of a four-man pace Lankan attack which also features Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Suranga Lakmal.
Sri Lanka were the last team to play Tests in Pakistan in 2009 when their tour was cut short by a terror attack on their team bus. The first match will be played will be played in Rawalpindi, starting December 11 and the second in Karachi from December19. The two Tests will be part of the ICC Men's World Test Championship.
Following is the Sri Lankan squad:
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Janith Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan.
