Sri Lanka include Dhananjaya in Test squad for Pakistan series under new captain Mendis

Sri Lanka on Tuesday unveiled a 15-member squad for its upcoming ICC World Test Championship away series against Pakistan, marking Kusal Mendis’ first stint as captain in the longest format for which his predecessor, Dhananjaya de Silva, will continue to remain in the side.

The 31-year-old Mendis, who already captains Sri Lanka’s T20 and ODI teams, replaced de Silva a few days ago. The 35-year-old De Silva stepped down from his position, stating that he wants to “pass the mantle to the next generation”.

Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been included in the squad, pending a return to full fitness before the first Test. Nissanka has been laid low by a hamstring injury that he picked up during an ODI series against England last month.

The team will travel to Pakistan for two Tests starting November 9, with matches scheduled in Rawalpindi and Lahore as part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

Sri Lanka ranks seventh on the WTC points table with a points percentage (PCT) of 33.33, while Pakistan is at the bottom with a PCT of 4.63.