No Mathews, Perera Returns for Tests Against Australia

Cricketnext Staff | Updated: January 8, 2019, 8:08 PM IST

Sri Lankan left-handed batsman Kusal Perera has been included in the 16-man squad for the upcoming Test series in Australia. The 28-year-old, who was not a part of the side during the recently concluded Test series against New Zealand, replaces opener Danushka Gunathilaka for the tour Down Under.

Perera’s showing in the ODI series against New Zealand, which saw him hit a century, could have grabbed the attention of the selectors for the Test spot, especially after Gunathilaka's lean run, managing just 16 runs in the two Tests.

Another major name missing from the squad in Angelo Mathews, who suffered another hamstring injury during the Test series against the Black Caps.

Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera and Kasun Rajitha make-up the pace attack for captain Dinesh Chandimal’s disposal.

Dilruwan Perera and Lakshan Sandakan continue to remain the preferred spinners.

Sri Lanka will play a two-match Test series against Tim Paine’s side, with the first match being played in Brisbane from January 24, which is a Day-Night Test. They will then move to the Manuka Oval in Canberra for the second and final Test, which starts on February 1.

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal(C), Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Dimuth Karunaratne