Sri Lanka on Friday (February 25) named an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against India. The two teams will play the first Test in Mohali from March 5, while Bangalore will host the second Test from March 12.

 Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also announced replacements for injured spinner Maheesh Theekshana and batter Kusal Mendis for the ongoing T20I series against India.

“Niroshan Dickwella and Dhananjaya De Silva have been drafted into the T20I squad in place of injured Kusal Mendis and Maheesh Theekshana,” SLC said in a press release.

Both Mendis and Theekshana suffered hamstring injuries during the fifth T20I versus Australia earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the board also confirmed that Wanindu Hasaranga, who was ruled out of the T20I series against India after extended COVID-19 isolation in Australia, will return to Sri Lanka.

“Maheesh Theekshana will return home, whilst Wanindu Hasaranga also will return home from Australia,” SLC said.

Dimuth Karunaratne will lead Sri Lanka in the Test series while Dhananjaya de Silva will play the role of vice-captain. Kusal Mendis has been added to the squad but his availability will be subject to fitness.

Fast bowler Suranga Lakmal returns to the Test squad and he will partner the likes of Dushmantha Chameera and Vishwa Fernando. Sri Lanka also boast a potent spin attack featuring Lasith Embuldeniya, Jeffrey Vandersay and Praveen Jayawickrema in the squad.

The two-match Test series is due to get underway on March 4 in Mohali.

Sri Lanka’s Test Squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dhananjaya de Silva (Vice-Captain), Kusal Mendis (subject to fitness), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Charith Asalanka, Niroshan Dickwella, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis (will not take part due to an injury), Lahiru Kumara, Suranga Lakmal, Dushmantha Chameera, Vishwa Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrema, Lasith Embuldeniya