Sri Lanka has announced a 17-member Test squad for their two-match series against South Africa, starting November 29. Fast-bowler Kasun Rajitha and left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya make notable returns, replacing all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay from the squad that played New Zealand at home in September.
Rajitha, who was excluded from the New Zealand series due to spin-friendly conditions, last played a Test against Bangladesh, taking eight wickets. He also contributed significantly to Sri Lanka's 2019 series win over South Africa, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with nine dismissals.
Embuldeniya, returning after more than two years, last featured in a Test against Australia in 2022. Despite a challenging run of form, his 17 wickets in the 2023/24 National Super League 4-Day Tournament for Kandy earned him a recall. Like Rajitha, he was part of the victorious 2019 series against South Africa, claiming six wickets in two matches.
The squad retains experienced players such as skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Angelo Mathews. The pace attack includes Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, and Rajitha, while spinners Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, and Embuldeniya round out the bowling lineup.
The series, part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship, is crucial for both teams aiming for a spot in the final. The first Test will take place at Kingsmead, Durban, followed by the second at St. George's Park, Gqeberha. Sri Lanka is set to depart for South Africa on November 22.
Squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (c), 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, Kasun Rajitha.