Sri Lanka ring in changes to squad for second India Test
The hosts have called up batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige for the second Test against India.
Sri Lanka have been forced to make crucial changes to their Test squad ahead of the second Test against India in Colombo, following a 165-run defeat in the ICC World Test Championship series opener in Galle.
Batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige have been drafted into the squad as replacements for the must-win encounter starting on 23 August.
The call-ups follow impressive recent performances from both uncapped players. Arachchige earned his spot after finishing as his team's leading run-scorer in the series against India A. Mishara, meanwhile, continued his excellent form in the domestic circuit.
They arrive as Sri Lanka face a mounting injury crisis. Head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that the hosts will be without Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka for the second Test, leaving significant gaps in their batting department.
Sri Lanka squad for second Test against India
Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.
Mendis is currently sidelined by a severe hamstring issue, while Nissanka is still recovering from wrist surgery. Adding to the woes, Chandimal has been officially ruled out after sustaining a concussion on the fourth day of the opening Test, mandating a seven-day stand-down period.
With three first-choice batters unavailable, Mishara and Arachchige could be in line to feature in the final playing XI as Sri Lanka desperately seek a victory to level the two-match series.
Sri Lanka currently sit sixth in the World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 33.33%, while India are one place above them in fifth with 53.33%.