Nishan Madushka, the opening batter, has been left out of Sri Lanka's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. Oshada Fernando has been recalled to the team in his place.
Along with Madushka, Nisala Tharaka and Kasun Rajitha, who were part of the Sri Lankan squad during the three-Test tour of England, have also been excluded from the 16-member squad for the New Zealand series.
Fernando made a strong case for his return by playing a pivotal role for Sri Lanka A in their first unofficial Test against South Africa A. He scored 122 and 80, helping his side secure a six-wicket win in Kimberley.
Madushka, however, struggled during the England series, managing only 4, 0, 7, and 13 in the first two Tests before being dropped for the third. Pathum Nissanka, who replaced him, delivered impressive performances with scores of 64 and an unbeaten 127, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka's victory at The Oval.
The two-Test series against New Zealand, part of the World Test Championship, will kick off on September 18, with the second match scheduled from September 26. Both matches will be played in Galle.
Sri Lanka Test squad:
Dhananjaya de Silva (c), 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, Milan Rathnayake.