Sri Lanka names squad for 1st Test vs India, Dickwella returns

Sri Lanka has announced its squad for the first Test against India, set to begin on August 15 at Galle International Stadium, with veteran wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella returning to the side after a lengthy absence. The Sri Lanka Cricket Board confirmed the 16-member squad on Wednesday, August 12, for the opening match of the two-Test series.

Dickwella, 33, last played a Test for Sri Lanka in March 2023 and is expected to be the first-choice wicketkeeper. His inclusion comes as the hosts face significant injury setbacks. Key batters Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis are both ruled out for the series opener. Nissanka is recovering from a wrist injury, while Mendis sustained a hamstring injury during the Lanka Premier League.

Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the team, with batting all-rounder Kamindu Mendis serving as his vice-captain. The squad features experienced batters Dinesh Chandimal and Nishan Madushka. In the absence of Nissanka, Madushka and Lahiru Udara are poised to open the batting, a partnership they also used in the second Test against the West Indies in July 2026.

The spin attack will be led by Prabath Jayasuriya, who is Sri Lanka's highest wicket-taker in...