The Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka is likely to be ruled out for the first test against Australia as he continues to recover from the groin strain he sustained during the third T20I against New Zealand earlier this month.
Nissanka is currently in rehabilitation and has not joined the rest of the squad in Galle, with team manager Mahinda Halagoda.
Sri Lanka’s team management is hoping Nissanka can be available for the second test. The remaining 17 players in the Sri Lanka squad should be available.
Meanwhile, captain Dhananjaya de Silva had been recovering from a side strain, and Kamindu Mendis had suffered a split webbing, both injuries picked up during domestic games over the past two weeks. But both players have travelled with the team to Galle.
Nissanka’s absence means Sri Lanka has to find a second opener to partner Dimuth Karunaratne. Dimuth Karunaratne is set to play his 100th test in the second test.
Oshada Fernando and uncapped Lahiru Udara are the two options to open along with Dimuth. Oshada Fernando has opened for Sri Lanka in 19 tests innings and is likely to come into the playing 11.
Earlier, SLC announced their test squad on January 24 where leg spinner Jeffrey Vandersay and off spinner Nishan Peiris with Prabath Jayasuriya to lead the spin attack. On the seam bowling front, Sri Lanka have four options – Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake.
However, Dinesh Chandimal, Angel Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, de Silva, Kusal Mendis along with Dimuth will set up the batting line up.
With Australia and South Africa secured a spot in the WTC finals and hence the result of the series will have no impact on the WTC final chances.
The first match of the Sri Lanka-Australia test will begin on January 27 at Galle International Stadium.
Sri Lanka squad for Australia tests: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.
