Sri Lanka’s Test squad is set for a shake-up as the national selectors prepare to plug the gaps left by the recent exits of two stalwarts — Dimuth Karunaratne and Angelo Mathews. Into the spotlight step Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Tharindu Ratnayake, both named in a Test squad for the first time ahead of the two-match series against Bangladesh starting later this month in Galle.
Karunaratne called time on his illustrious career following the Australia series in February, while Mathews will don the whites for one final appearance in the first Test at his favourite venue, Galle. Their departures leave big shoes to fill — and the selectors have turned to a pair of consistent performers from the domestic and ‘A’ team circuits.
Sooriyabandara, 25, is a stylish right-hander who has piled on the runs in recent seasons, showing the temperament and technique required at the top level. Ratnayake, meanwhile, at 29, is a late bloomer — but his recent form has forced the selectors’ hand. An ambidextrous spinner who bowls both right-arm off-spin and left-arm orthodox, Ratnayake has emerged as a reliable option at a time when Sri Lanka’s spin department has looked threadbare.
The likes of Ramesh Mendis and Nishan Peiris have failed to deliver with any consistency — struggling with their lines and lengths. Ratnayake’s call-up rewards 15 months of steady returns with the ball across formats.
They’ve both earned it. Consistent performances, strong character and the hunger to succeed:
With Karunaratne gone, the opening slot is up for grabs. Lahiru Udara, who was in the squad for the Australia series but is yet to debut, could be in line — although Oshada Fernando, who already has 22 Test caps, presents a more experienced alternative to partner Pathum Nissanka.
Mathews’ departure opens a middle-order vacancy, with Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha — a spin-bowling all-rounder — seen as the leading contenders.
This will be Sri Lanka’s first assignment in the new cycle of the ICC World Test Championship. They had been in contention for a place in the final as late as last December, but a 2-0 series defeat in South Africa followed by a whitewash at home against Australia derailed their campaign. Eventually, they finished sixth on the WTC standings.
Dhananjaya de Silva, whose captaincy came under fire during the Australian series for a perceived lack of urgency and tactical aggression, is expected to continue as skipper — largely due to a lack of viable alternatives in the leadership group.
