New Delhi: Pathum Nissanka has been added to Sri Lanka's Test team for the opening Test against Pakistan. Nissanka, who has only been in three Test matches for Sri Lanka, last took part in the format against Australia at home last year.

After been selected for the 16-person squad to play the first of two matches against Pakistan beginning on July 16, Dilshan Madushanka, the talented left-arm fast from Sri Lanka, will be aiming for a Test debut shortly. Asitha Fernando, who was ruled out after suffering dengue, has been replaced by the 22-year-old, who was not previously expected to appear.

The opener recently smashed a few hundreds in Sri Lanka's victorious World Cup qualifying campaign. He was in terrific form. The 16-person roster now includes bowler Kasun Rajitha in addition to Nissanka, with the selectors just choosing the team for the first match of the two-Test series.

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Lasith Embuldeniya, who just played Ireland at home without receiving a game, has been fired. Asitha Fernando, Dushan Hemantha, and Milan Priyanath Rathnayake are just a few of the players who were cut from the team that humiliated Ireland 2-0 in a series back in April.

Dilshan Madushanka, who had a strong ODI debut this year, has secured a berth in the team for the longer format and will be eligible to make his debut.

Praveen Jayawickrama, whose last participation in a Test match was in May 2022, has been brought back to the team, but Lakshitha Manasinghe, who has no caps, was added due to a recent strong performance against Pakistan in a tour game.

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This coming Sunday, July 16, the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan will get underway in Galle before the teams head to Colombo for the second and final Test, which will get under way on July 24.

Squad for Sri-Lanka:

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Matthews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Lakshitha Manasinghe

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