Colombo, 13 October (H.S.): Sri Lanka have included fast bowler Ishan Malinga and wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara in their squad for the two-Test series against Pakistan in November. Left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka has also returned to the squad, while wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella has been left out. Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in Test cricket for the first time after taking over the captaincy from Dhananjaya de Silva, who stepped down from the role.

Ishan Malinga, who regularly features in limited-overs cricket, has received his maiden call-up to the Test squad. The 22-year-old fast bowler has claimed 44 wickets in 19 first-class matches at an average of 31.15.

Meanwhile, Anjala Bandara has earned his place following impressive performances in first-class cricket. He has scored runs at an average of 65.85 in 31 matches, including seven centuries and seven half-centuries. His highest score is an unbeaten 200.

Dickwella Dropped, Chandimal Returns

Bandara has been selected in place of Niroshan Dickwella, who was recalled for Sri Lanka's home Test series against India in August but has not been included for the Pakistan tour.

Opening batters Lahiru Udara and Kamil Mishara, who featured in the second Test against India in Colombo, have also been omitted. All-rounder Sahan Arachchige, who was part of the squad for that match, has likewise missed out.

Dinesh Chandimal has returned to the squad after recovering from the injury that forced him to leave the field during the first Test in Galle. Pathum Nissanka's participation, however, remains subject to fitness clearance. He will travel to Pakistan only if he is declared medically fit.

Spin and Pace Bowling Options

Sri Lanka's spin attack will feature Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha as key options. All-rounder Sonal Dinusha has also retained his place after an encouraging performance in the series against India.

The pace-bowling department will be led by Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Ishan Malinga and Dilshan Madushanka. Vishwa Fernando has been left out of the squad.

Tests Scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore

The opening Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, while the second Test is scheduled to take place in Lahore from November 17 to 21. Both matches are part of the current cycle of the ICC World Test Championship.

In the World Test Championship standings, Sri Lanka are placed seventh with 33.33 per cent of the available points, while Pakistan occupy the bottom position with 4.63 per cent.

Sri Lanka Test Squad for Pakistan Tour

Kusal Mendis (captain), Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness clearance), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Ishan Malinga.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar