Lasith Embuldeniya returns to the Sri Lanka Test squad after a two-year absence for the upcoming series against South Africa. The 17-member squad is captained by Dhananjaya de Silva and includes nine batters and two left-arm spinners. The series consists of two Tests, starting on November 27 in Durban.
Lasith Embuldeniya has been selected to join Sri Lanka’s cricket squad for an upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, marking his return after a hiatus of over two years from Test cricket. The squad, announced on Tuesday, comprises 17 members and is captained by Dhananjaya de Silva. It includes a balanced mix of nine batsmen, three specialist spinners, and five fast bowlers. Embuldeniya, who last played in June 2022 against Australia, will complement Prabath Jayasuriya, the other left-arm spinner in the team. Jayasuriya has recently demonstrated form, having taken 18 wickets during Sri Lanka’s successful 2-0 series victory against New Zealand in September. Also returning to the squad is opening batter Oshada Fernando, who has been absent for nearly a year. However, off-spinner Ramesh Mendis has not been included. The opening Test of the series is scheduled to commence in Durban on November 27, followed by the second Test in Port Elizabeth starting December 5. The full squad includes Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha.
Test cricket has been a key platform for players to demonstrate their skills at the highest level of the game. Lasith Embuldeniya’s return is significant as he brings experience from his previous 17 Test caps, vital for a Sri Lankan team seeking to establish its prowess in international cricket. Following a challenging period marked by player absences, the return of both Embuldeniya and Oshada Fernando reflects a strategic effort to rejuvenate the team, especially after a successful series against New Zealand. Test matches against South Africa are crucial given the competitive nature of international cricket, and a strong squad is essential to tackle the challenges posed by the opposition.
In conclusion, Lasith Embuldeniya’s return to Sri Lanka’s Test squad signifies a pivotal moment for both the player and the team as they prepare to face South Africa in a two-match series. The inclusion of experienced players, alongside promising talent, aims to fortify the team’s performance on this important platform. The upcoming matches will test the squad’s cohesion and strategy against formidable competition, contributing to Sri Lanka’s ongoing journey in international cricket.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
