De Silva steps down as Sri Lanka test captain

Sri Lanka has appointed Kusal Mendis as the new test captain, following the resignation of Dhananjaya de Silva, according to the country's cricket board. The 31-year-old all-rounder, who is already the captain for One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20s), has amassed 4,836 runs in 75 Tests for Sri Lanka. His batting average stands at 36.36, with an impressive tally of 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name.

Mendis will assume his new role for the upcoming two-Test series in Pakistan, set to commence in Rawalpindi on November 9. De Silva, currently 35 years old, retains his eligibility for selection and succeeded Dimuth Karunaratne as the test captain in January 2024. He guided Sri Lanka in 18 Tests, securing seven victories. De Silva revealed in a letter to the selection committee that he believed the responsibility should be passed on to the next generation.

His decision to step down follows a challenging year for Sri Lanka, as they currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship rankings. The team suffered a home series defeat against India and a loss in a Test series in the West Indies. De Silva, who has represented Sri Lanka in 69 Tests, remains one of the most experienced players in the side.