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Sri Lanka Cricket have announced an enriched 18-player squad for the opening Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to take place on June 17 at Galle. With the first of two Tests marking the commencement of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship campaign, the selectors have leaned on a mix of experience and emerging talent.
New Blood Joins the Fold
Three players – Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Pavan Rathnayake, and Isitha Wijesundara – are set to don the Test cap for the first time, stepping into the limelight with ambitions of making an immediate impression in Sri Lanka’s traditional fortress. Meanwhile, Lahiru Udara and Sonal Dinusha, both introduced during last season’s red-ball series in Australia, have secured their spots in the squad.
The full line-up includes captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, and other seasoned campaigners, rounded out by fast bowlers Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, and Milan Rathnayake.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Isitha Wijesundara.
‘Thank You Angelo Mathews’
Veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who debuted in Galle back in 2009, will be playing his final Test in the city where his journey began. The 37-year-old has been a linchpin of Sri Lankan cricket across formats and his retirement in familiar territory adds an emotional twist to the series.
“The past 17 years of playing cricket for Sri Lanka has been my highest honour and pride. Nothing can match that feeling of patriotism and servitude when one dons the National Jersey. I have given my everything to cricket and Cricket has given me everything in return and made me the person that I am today,” said Angelo Mathews in his retirement note last month.
“I stand grateful to the game and thankful to the thousands of Sri Lanka Cricket fans who have been there for me throughout my career during my highest of highs and lowest of lows. The first test match against Bangladesh in June will be my last red-ball appearance for my country,” he added.
