Sri Lanka have made changes to their Test squad ahead of the second match against India, calling up batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige as the hosts seek to level the two-match series after a heavy defeat in Galle.
Sri Lanka were beaten by 165 runs in the opening Test, leaving them with little margin for error in the second match, which begins in Colombo on August 23.
The squad changes come as Sri Lanka contend with a series of injuries that have depleted their batting resources.
Coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka will all miss the second Test, leaving Sri Lanka without three experienced members of their batting order.
Mendis has been ruled out with a severe hamstring injury, while Nissanka is continuing his recovery from wrist surgery.
Chandimal, who suffered a concussion on the fourth day of the Galle Test, must complete a mandatory seven-day stand-down period under concussion protocols and is therefore unavailable for the Colombo match.
The absences could open the door for Mishara and Arachchige to make their Test debuts.
Arachchige enters the squad after a productive run of form for Sri Lanka A against India A, where he was his side’s leading run-scorer. Mishara has also impressed in domestic cricket, earning his opportunity as Sri Lanka look to rebuild a weakened batting line-up.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead a squad that also includes Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis and Sonal Dinusha, while Niroshan Dickwella and Keshara Nuwantha provide further options.
The bowling attack features Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando.
Sri Lanka’s defeat in Galle has left them sixth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 33.33, while India are fifth on 53.33.
With the series at stake, Sri Lanka will need a much-improved performance in Colombo if they are to prevent India from completing a 2-0 sweep.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
