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Oshada Fernando Rejoins Sri Lanka Squad as Nishan Madushka and Others Are Excluded for New Zealand Test Series
Oshada Fernando Returns to Sri Lanka Squad for New Zealand Tests; Nishan Madushka and Others Excluded
Sri Lanka has announced updates to their squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand, with Oshada Fernando making a comeback while Nishan Madushka, Nisala Tharaka, and Kasun Rajitha have been excluded.
Oshada Fernando’s Comeback
Oshada Fernando’s reentry into the Sri Lankan Test squad is a notable development. Fernando recently demonstrated his outstanding form during the unofficial Test series against South Africa A, where he scored 122 and 80 in the first match, playing a key role in Sri Lanka A’s six-wicket victory in Kimberley. His exceptional performances have secured him a place back in the Test squad for the series against New Zealand.
Exclusions and Replacements
Nishan Madushka, who was part of the squad during Sri Lanka’s recent three-Test tour of England, has been omitted from the 16-member team. Madushka struggled during the tour, with scores of 4, 0, 7, and 13 in the first two Tests, leading to his exclusion from the third match. Pathum Nissanka, who replaced Madushka, made a significant impact with innings of 64 and 127* at The Oval, helping Sri Lanka secure a win.
Nisala Tharaka and Kasun Rajitha, who also featured in the England tour, have been left out of the squad. The team is set to face New Zealand in the first Test starting on September 18, followed by the second Test from September 26. Both matches are part of the World Test Championship and will be played in Galle.
Sri Lanka Test Squad for New Zealand Series
The squad for the series against New Zealand includes:
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
