Kusal Mendis Named Captain for the First Time as Sri Lanka Unveils 15-Man Test Squad for Pakistan Tour
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Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) officially announced its 15-member national squad on Tuesday, October 13, for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, ushering in a brand-new leadership era. Top-order batter Kusal Mendis has been handed the Test captaincy for the first time in his international career, stepping up to the helm following the sudden resignation of former skipper Dhananjaya de Silva. The red-ball assignment gets underway on November 9 in Rawalpindi, offering the island nation a fresh tactical slate following a tough white-ball tour.
Uncapped Faces and Crucial Recalls: Anjala Bandara and Ishan Malinga Drafted In
The selection committee introduced key changes and youthful energy to the touring red-ball lineup:
Maiden Test Call-up for Ishan Malinga: Fast bowler Ishan Malinga, who has previously represented the island nation in limited-overs formats (ODIs and T20Is), has been drafted into the Test squad and stands in line for his maiden Test cap.
Wicketkeeper Shake-up: Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara earned his maiden national call-up, replacing veteran Niroshan Dickwella, who was part of the squad during the recent home series against India. Bandara is yet to represent Sri Lanka in any international format.
Pace Attack Reinforced: Left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka has earned a return to the red-ball side to bolster the seam bowling department on subcontinent pitches.
Fitness Concerns Over Pathum Nissanka and T20I Series Context
Sri Lanka enters the long-format rubber looking to reset momentum following mixed fortunes in the ongoing white-ball leg:
Nissanka's Availability Subject to Clearance: Regular opening batsman Pathum Nissanka has been conditionally included in the touring party, with his final participation contingent on passing mandatory fitness assessments.
Clean Bill of Health for Remaining Squad: Except for the fitness check pending on Nissanka, all remaining fourteen members of the 15-player contingent have been cleared as fully fit.
White-Ball Struggles Preceding Tests: The Test series announcement arrived as Pakistan and Sri Lanka concluded their three-match T20I bilateral rubber, with the hosts having already sealed the trophy by winning the first two fixtures ahead of the final contest in Rawalpindi on October 13.
Complete 15-Member Test Squad and Tour Itinerary
The complete roster announced for Sri Lanka's red-ball tour of Pakistan features a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent:
Official Sri Lanka Test Squad: Kusal Mendis (Captain), Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara (wk), Keshara Nuwantha, Prabhath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Ishan Malinga.
First Test Match: November 9 to November 13, 2026, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
Second Test Match: November 17 to November 21, 2026, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
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