SL vs ENG: Squads, Preview for the Two-match Test series
England will face Sri Lanka in the Two-match Test series that commences on January 14. Both Tests are scheduled to be held at the Galle International stadium. Sri Lanka returned home last week, after a disastrous tour of South Africa, that saw them getting hammered 2-0 in the Two-match Test series. More importantly, the visitors were struck with plenty of injuries during the series.
Dinesh Chandimal, Kasun Rajitha, Suranga Lakmal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Lahiru Kumara all suffered injuries during the Proteas tour. Angelo Mathews did not travel with the squad after picking up a hamstring injury in the Lanka Premier League.
Sri Lanka Team News
Dimuth Karunaratne, captain of the Sri Lankan team hopes to have Angelo Mathews, Lakmal and Chandimal all fit for the first Test match. “We are hopeful they will be back. We think there is good news around their injuries,” said Karunaratne after conclusion of the South African tour.
The spin combination of Dilruwan Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga can do the trick for the hosts, on the spinner friendly sub-continental tracks. “We have a good spinning line-up who will be keen to make full use of our conditions. Hopefully we can dominate the English,” Karunaratne had said.
Angelo Mathews’ inclusion in the squad will be a major boost for the hosts given the vast amount of experience he has. If Dinesh Chandimal is declared fit for the opening match, Sri Lanka will have a great batting lineup to match-up to the English side.
Sri Lanka Test squad for series against England: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Oshada Fernando, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Embuldeniya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Santhush Gunathilake, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.
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England Team News
England have rested Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer for the Sri Lankan tour. Moeen Ali will miss the first Test after testing positive for covid-19 after his arrival in Sri Lanka. England are all set to award Daniel Lawrence his Test debut as regular opener, Rory Burns is on paternity leave. In spite of Archer’s absence, England have plenty of fast bowling options to choose from. The visitors have included left arm spinner, Jack Leach and Dominic Bess as their frontline spinners for the Sri Lankan tour.
Last time, England toured Sri Lanka in 2018, they whitewashed the hosts, defeating them 3-0 in the three match Test series.
England men’s Test squad: Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Reserves: James Bracey, Mason Crane, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Amar Virdi.