Colombo

Oshada Fernando makes a comeback to Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand, starting Wednesday, while Nishan Madushka has been left out.

Oshada, who has been absent from the Test team for 18 months, returns following a standout performance with Sri Lanka A in South Africa. He was named Player of the Match in the first unofficial Test of their series after scoring 122 and 80, leading his team to victory.

Madushka, who struggled in recent matches against England with scores of 4, 0, 7, and 13, loses his spot after a disappointing run. Despite his return, Oshada may face tough competition to secure a spot in the playing XI. The likely lineup for Sri Lanka includes Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis.

Ramesh Mendis is expected to fill the number eight position, while spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and two seamers are likely to complete the remaining spots, given the spin-friendly conditions in Galle. The two Tests will be held in Galle, with the second match starting on September 26.

BOX

Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Milan Rathnayake.