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Sri Lanka turn to uncapped Pushpakumara, Pradeep and Dhananjaya recalled

Sri Lanka turn to uncapped Pushpakumara, Pradeep and Dhananjaya recalled

Malinda Pushpakumara has been handed a first Sri Lanka call-up for the opening Test against India, while Nuwan Pradeep and Dhananjaya de Silva were also named in a 15-man squad on Sunday.

Left-arm spinner Pushpakumara is in contention to make his international debut in Galle next week at the age of 30.

Pradeep has not played in the longest format since facing South Africa in January, but the seamer could get another chance in the first of three Tests – which starts on Wednesday.

All-rounder Dhananjaya also missed the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, but comes into the squad after captain Dinesh Chandimal contracted pneumonia.

Chandimal led Sri Lanka to victory in his first Test since replacing Angelo Mathews as skipper, but Rangana Herath will captain the team in the opening match against the top-ranked side in his absence.

 

Sri Lanka squad: Rangana Herath (captain) Upul Tharanga, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Malinda Pushpakumara, Nuwan Pradeep.