Dickwella retained for Pakistan Tests

Sri Lanka have announced a 15-man squad to take on the visiting Pakistan side for the two-Test series that kicks off on the 6th of August in Galle. The series will be former SL captain Mahela Jayawardene's farewell series, after the legendary right-hander had announced that he will be hanging up his boots following the Pakistan series.

Sri Lanka put faith in their new-found star Niroshan Dickwella, after his impressive showing in the 2nd Test against South Africa. Dickwella made good use of a docile track at the Sinhalese Sports Club to strengthen his claim for a permanent spot in the Test side with an impressive half century coupled with some good work behind the stumps. Dinesh Chandimal, the man Dickwella replaced, has been left out of the 15-man squad.

Pacers, Shaminda Eranga and Suranga Lakmal have both been included in the side, but the duo will have to prove their fitness in order make the starting XI for the first Test. Eranga was not part of the Sri Lanka side for the South Africa Tests as he had suffered an injury during his side's tour to England. Lakmal, on the other hand, suffered from a split webbing in his bowling hand in the SSC Test. While the duo will be Sri Lanka's first choice pacers, Sri Lanka have also named Nuwan Pradeep and Dhammika Prasad in the side.

Sri Lanka have also left out spinner Ajantha Mendis for the series. The right-armer had a lack-lustre display during the second Test against Proteas, and the board have decided to go in with only their two front-line spinners in Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera.

Sri Lanka will play two Tests against the visiting Pakistan side. The first Test will be played at Galle on the 6th of August, while the 2nd Test (14-18 August) will be played at SSC.

Squad: Angelo Mathews (Captain), Lahiru Thrimanne (Vice Captain), Kaushal Silva, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardena, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Niroshan Dickwella, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Shaminda Eranga (Subject to fitness), Suranga Lakmal (Subject to fitness), Chanaka Welagedara, Dhammika Prasad, Nuwan Pradeep.