Sri Lanka have recalled Lahiru Thirimanne for the second Test against India starting on Thursday (August 3) in Colombo. Captain Dinesh Chandimal, who was ruled out of the series-opener at Galle due to with pneumonia, has also returned. In addition to the aforementioned players, left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan has also included in the squad while fast-bowler Suranga Lakmal has been ruled out because of a back problem.
Thirimanne, who scored a half-century in the two-day warm up game against India, is likely to replace Asela Gunaratne who has been ruled out of the series after injuring his thumb in the first Test. Thirimanne is returning to the Test team after a gap of 13 months. On the other hand, Sandakan has been included to bolster Sri Lanka’s spin attack which failed to deliver the goods at Galle where India piled up 600 and 240 for 3. Meanwhile, Rangana Herath, who had not batted in the second innings due to an injury, has also been retained in the squad.
The left-arm spinner did not bowl during the training session on Tuesday (August 1) but is expected to resume practice soon and is likely to play the crunch clash.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be hoping that the arrival of their captain changes their fortunes after the Galle mauling where they were thrashed by 304 runs inside 4 days. Chasing an improbable 550, the hosts were restricted for 245 with Gunaratne and Herath not coming out to bat.
Sri Lanka squad for the second Test:
Dinesh Chandimal (capt.), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Dimuth Karunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Malinda Pushpakumara, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Thirimanne