Following an impressive showing in the Oval Test against England, Sri Lanka are brimming with confidence as they prepare to face New Zealand in their home series. The two-match Test series, part of the World Test Championship (WTC) schedule, offers both teams a prime opportunity to bolster their standings.
New Zealand, on the other hand, heads into this series without any recent red-ball practice. Their planned one-off Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida was canceled due to a problematic drainage system and a wet outfield. This missed opportunity could have served as a valuable test for the Kiwis’ squad depth.
Ramesh Mendis Makes Comeback After a Year
With the first Test at Galle just a day away, Sri Lanka have unveiled their playing XI. Notably, spinner Ramesh Mendis, who last represented Sri Lanka in July 2023, is making his return. Mendis, who has primarily been deployed in home conditions, has been sidelined for a significant period due to Sri Lanka’s away fixtures.
Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the Sri Lankan side. In anticipation of the spin-friendly conditions at Galle, Sri Lanka have included two specialist spinners in their lineup, with Prabath Jayasuriya also returning after missing the previous Test against England.
Having recently climbed to the WTC points table with their victory over England, Sri Lanka is keen to continue their ascent with a strong performance against New Zealand.
Afghanistan vs New Zealand: Test Match Called Off Without a Single Ball Bowled
Sri Lanka’s Playing XI vs New Zealand at Galle:
Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Kusal Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando.
