Sri Lanka Squad for Test Series Against South Africa has been Announced

Sri Lanka Cricket has announced a 17-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. With qualification for the WTC 2025 Final hanging in the balance, this series represents a crucial opportunity for Sri Lanka to strengthen their claim for a top-two finish.

The team, led by Dhananjaya de Silva, departs for South Africa on November 22. The first Test will take place at Kingsmead, Durban, starting November 27, followed by the second Test at St. George’s Park, Gqeberha, beginning December 5.

Sri Lanka’s Squad Overview

The Sri Lankan squad reflects a balance of experience and new talent, featuring senior players like Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews, and Kusal Mendis alongside rising stars. Returning to the squad are left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and pacer Kasun Rajitha, adding depth to their bowling attack. Nishan Peiris, another promising spinner, joins the team, while Ramesh Mendis, despite strong performances earlier in the year, has been left out​

The squad’s bowling lineup includes five seamers Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake, and Rajitha highlighting Sri Lanka’s strategy to counter South Africa’s pace-friendly conditions. Prabath Jayasuriya, a key figure in Sri Lanka’s spin attack, will spearhead efforts on pitches expected to favor turn as matches progress​

Full Squad:

1. Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
2. Pathum Nissanka
3. Dimuth Karunaratne
4. Dinesh Chandimal
5. Angelo Mathews
6. Kusal Mendis
7. Kamindu Mendis
8. Oshada Fernando
9. Sadeera Samarawickrama
10. Prabath Jayasuriya
11. Nishan Peiris
12. Lasith Embuldeniya
13. Milan Rathnayake
14. Asitha Fernando
15. Vishwa Fernando
16. Lahiru Kumara
17. Kasun Rajitha

World Test Championship Context

Sri Lanka is currently in a strong position on the WTC points table, ranked third with a win percentage of 55.56. They need to secure a series win or at least a draw to remain in contention for the final, which will be held at Lord’s in 2025. Their direct competitors include South Africa, who are also vying for a top-two finish​

A 2-0 victory for Sri Lanka could significantly boost their standings, but even a 1-1 draw would keep their hopes alive, depending on the outcomes of other ongoing WTC matches​

Preparation for the Series

To adapt to South African conditions, Sri Lanka has enlisted Neil McKenzie, a former South Africa international, as a consultant coach. McKenzie’s familiarity with local pitches and strategies is expected to provide the Sri Lankan batters with vital insights ahead of this challenging series​

Schedule:

• 1st Test: November 27 - December 1, Kingsmead, Durban
• 2nd Test: December 5 - December 9, St. George’s Park, Gqeberha

This series could define Sri Lanka’s WTC campaign, with every match carrying significant stakes. Fans and cricketing experts alike will be eagerly watching as the team embarks on this crucial tour.