Kasun Rajitha and Lasith Embuldeniya are back in Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the series against South Africa starting November 29. They replace Ramesh Mendis and Jeffrey Vandersay, aiming to bolster the team’s chances after recent successes and facing crucial stakes in the World Test Championship.
Kasun Rajitha and Lasith Embuldeniya have been re-integrated into Sri Lanka’s 17-man Test squad for their highly anticipated two-match series against South Africa commencing on November 29. Rajitha, who had been sidelined during the home series against New Zealand due to conditions favoring spin bowlers, has shown notable performance improvements, particularly during prior tours against Bangladesh and South Africa. Embuldeniya returns after a two-year absence from Test cricket, having made significant strides in the National Super League 4-Day Tournament. The selection of Rajitha and Embuldeniya leads to the exclusion of all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay, who participated in the New Zealand series. The squad remains stable, highlighted by the presence of experienced players such as Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, and Oshada Fernando. The wicketkeeping responsibilities will be handled by Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, while Dhananjaya de Silva captains the team. The pace attack will be spearheaded by Rajitha, joined by Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, with spin duties shared among Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, and Embuldeniya. This series, taking place at Kingsmead in Durban, is crucial for both teams as they vie for significant points in the World Test Championship (WTC), essential for qualification for the final. The second Test will occur at St. George’s Park in Gqeberha, marking a pivotal moment in the Test calendar for both Sri Lanka and South Africa.
The Sri Lankan cricket team is preparing for a crucial Test series against South Africa, a significant event within the World Test Championship framework. The recent squad announcements reflect the team’s strategic shifts, particularly with the reinsertion of key players like Kasun Rajitha and Lasith Embuldeniya, who have both demonstrated the potential to impact the series positively. Sri Lanka’s previous success in South Africa in 2019 adds to the expectations surrounding this tour, as the team aims to replicate or improve upon their past performances in challenging conditions.
The return of Kasun Rajitha and Lasith Embuldeniya to Sri Lanka’s Test squad is a strategic move ahead of the series against South Africa, which begins on November 29. Both players bring valuable experience and recent performance to the team. Sri Lanka’s squad maintains a balance of seasoned and emerging talents, which will be critical in their pursuit of victory and WTC points during this competitive series. The outcome will be vital for both teams as they strive for success in the international cricket arena.
Original Source: www.indiatoday.in
