Rajitha and Embuldeniya Reinstate Sri Lanka’s Test Squad for South…

Sri Lanka has named a 17-man Test squad for the series against South Africa, welcoming back fast bowler Kasun Rajitha and spinner Lasith Embuldeniya. Rajitha’s impressive performance in previous series and Embuldeniya’s hiatus from Test cricket are key highlights. The first match starts on November 29 in Durban, with both teams competing for vital World Test Championship points.

Sri Lanka has announced a 17-man Test squad for their upcoming two-match series against South Africa, scheduled to commence on November 29. Fast bowler Kasun Rajitha and left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya have both made a return to the team. Rajitha had previously been sidelined during Sri Lanka’s resounding 2-0 victory over New Zealand, which favored spin-friendly conditions, but he has made a notable comeback after a successful spell. In his last Test appearance, Rajitha took eight wickets against Bangladesh, and he was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s historic 2-0 series win in South Africa in 2019. Embuldeniya returns to Test cricket after a two-year absence, with his last match played in the 2022 Galle Test against Australia. Despite some struggles, he has shown improvement in domestic competition, leading to his selection for the squad. The squad substitutes all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who were part of the previous series against New Zealand. The lineup retains experienced batters such as Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka, with solid wicketkeeper-batsmen options in Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal. The bowling attack is well-rounded, featuring Rajitha alongside Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando, with Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Peiris sharing spin duties alongside the returning Embuldeniya. This series is significant for both teams as they vie for essential World Test Championship points. The first Test is set to take place at Kingsmead in Durban, and the second Test will follow at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha.

The announcement of Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the upcoming series against South Africa includes notable returns, particularly of fast bowler Kasun Rajitha and spinner Lasith Embuldeniya. Rajitha had previously shown potential in series against Bangladesh and South Africa, while Embuldeniya’s return after two years marks a significant comeback for the player. This series not only involves players with prior experience but is crucial for securing points in the World Test Championship, making it essential for the preparation and strategy of the team.

In summary, Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the South Africa series features the promising returns of Kasun Rajitha and Lasith Embuldeniya, bolstering the team composition after a successful run in recent series. The squad maintains a blend of experienced players and emerging talents, aiming for success in their quest for World Test Championship points. This series begins on November 29 in Durban, marking another chapter in Sri Lankan cricket history.

Original Source: www.indiatoday.in