Chamika Karunaratne returns as Sri Lanka announce Test squad for New Zealand tour

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named their men’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of New Zealand. The Islanders are set to play two Tests, three ODIs and three T20Is on this tour.

The first Test will be played from March 9-13 at Christchurch, followed by second at Wellington from March 17-21.

Chamika Karunaratne has made a return to the Test squad after featuring in his only red-ball game against Australia at Canberra way back in 2019. Alongside Karunaratne, the selection committee also included plenty of pace bowling option in the form of Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando, Milan Rathnayake and Vishwa Fernando.

Meanwhile, Nishan Madushka and Milan Rathnayake have been handed maiden Test call-ups.

Dimuth Karunaratne will continue to lead Sri Lanka, who are the third side with a possibility of making it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

They currently have a win percentage of 53.33, and to reach the final, Karunaratne & Co. need to beat the Blackcaps by 2-0, while also hope that other results go their favour.

Historically, Sri Lanka haven’t performed very well in New Zealand as they have won just twice in 19 previous attempts. But the team’s form in Test cricket has been strong under head coach Chris Silverwood.

Sri Lanka Test Squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne (captain), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Nishan Madushka, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Chamika Karunaratne, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake.