Dickwella axed, Bandara earns maiden Test call up

The national cricket selection committee has opted to disband the Niroshan Dickwella experiment and has instead promoted 22-year-old Anjala Bandara to the Test team. Bandara will be tasked with taking over wicketkeeping duties in the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan. The decision to bring Dickwella back after more than three years raised questions, but selectors defended their choice, stating that he remains the finest wicketkeeper in the country.

However, concerns centered around his ability to maintain composure and discipline off the field. Bandara's path to the national side was unconventional, as he emerged from a lesser-known school in Matale, was groomed at St. Anthony's College, and later played under-19 cricket for Mahanama College before representing Colombo Cricket Club.

While he has excelled with the bat, boasting a strong First Class average of 65, his performance behind the stumps has been a work in progress. In an effort to improve, Bandara was sent to Mahesh Gunathilaka, one of the country's finest wicketkeepers, who helped him address specific areas of his game. The selectors are confident in Bandara's readiness for Test cricket.

Additionally, Pasindu Sooriyabandara has been selected to open the batting against Pakistan, having made his Test debut as a concussion substitute in Galle following Dinesh Chandimal's injury. Although Pathum Nissanka's availability for the series is uncertain due to his hamstring strain, Kusal Mendis will lead the team as Test captain for the first time, following Dhananjaya de Silva's resignation.

Dhananjaya retains his place in the squad but faces competition for middle order spots with Kamindu Mendis and Eshan Malinga, who has been included in the team as a potential white-ball specialist.