SL vs NZ: Hosts announce squad for first Test against New Zealand

The Sri Lankan selectors have named a 15-member squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Galle. Former captain, Dinesh Chandimal’s inclusion is the big talking point from the squad selection. Chandimal didn’t feature in Sri Lanka’s squad for the World Cup. The Test series will mark the start of the World Test Championship campaign for both the sides.

Chandimal has been out of favour with the selectors for the past six months after consistently poor performances. But with a high-profile series against New Zealand at home and the stakes involved, the selectors have counted on experience. This policy has also seen the inclusion of Angelo Mathews who was out of the South Africa tour with a hamstring injury.

Niroshan Dickwella and Akila Dananjaya have also made it to the squad after good performances for Sri Lanka A during their tour of India. The duo will add experience and dynamism to the side.

The two-match Test series will get underway at Galle on August 14. The second match of the series will be played in Colombo.

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya De Silva, Akila Dananjaya, L Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Oshada Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando