SRI LANKA SQUAD

Lahiru Thirimanne in Sri Lanka squad for second Test

by Cricbuzz Staff • Last updated on

The No.4 batsman last played a Test in June 2016 © Getty

Middle order batsman Lahiru Thirimanne has been recalled to the Sri Lanka squad for the second Test against India starting on Thursday (August 3) at the SSC grounds, it was announced on Tuesday (August 1). Dinesh Chandimal, who was ruled out of the first Test against India with pneumonia, too, returns, for his first Test as full-time captain.

Lakshan Sandakan, the left-arm spinner, was was drafted in, in a bid to strengthen the spin attack, while pacer Suranga Lakmal was left out with a back problem. Rangana Herath too, was injured during the Galle Test, but has been retained in the squad.

Herath didn't bowl during the training session on Tuesday, but is expected to partake in training on Wednesday and be fit in time for the game. Sandakan, meanwhile, will have to contest with the likes of Herath, Dilruwan Perera and Malinda Pushpakumara for a spot in the XI being the fourth frontline spinner in the 16-member squad.

Thirimanne, who scored a half-century in the two-day warm up game against India at the Colombo Cricket Club, makes a return to the side after a whole 13 months after having been dropped from the side after last year's tour of England. He comes in in place of the injured Asela Gunaratne, who fractured his left thumb while fielding during the first Test in Galle.

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal (capt.), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Dimuth Karunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Malinda Pushpakumara, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Thirimanne

© Cricbuzz

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