Sri Lanka squad for first India Test: de Silva leads; Nissanka, Mendis ruled out

Sri Lanka announced their 16-member squad for the first Test against India, set to commence in Galle on Saturday. Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the team while Kamindu Mendis serves as his deputy. Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka are unable to participate in the opening Test, which holds significant importance for both India and Sri Lanka in the World Test Championship cycle.

Niroshan Dickwella, a 33-year-old wicket-keeper, has been recalled to the Test team after a three-year absence. The spin options include Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and Keshara Nuwantha. The 25-year-old off-spinner, Vishwa Fernando, impressed with a three-wicket haul in a recent practice match against India and also recorded a five-wicket performance against India A last month.

Sri Lanka fielded a squad comprising five pacers, two of whom are left-arm quicks, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka. India, on the other hand, has faced multiple injury setbacks. They have lost pace ace Jasprit Bumrah and batter Sai Sudharsan, and are now counting on Auqib Nabi and Sarfaraz Khan as replacements. Spin all-rounder Washington Sundar is also racing against time to be fit for the second Test that starts in Colombo on August 23.

In the WTC rankings, India stands fifth after nine games this cycle, while Sri Lanka is ranked sixth after four matches.