Sri Lanka allrounder and former skipper Angelo Mathews has been ruled out of the first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi with a calf injury.
The Sri Lanka line-up is unsettled with uncapped players Sadeera Samarawickrama, Roshen Silva and Lahiru Gamage in the squad.
Middle order batsman Silva could be given the chance to make a late Test debut for his country at the age of 28, along with fast bowler Gamage, who is a year older. Silva was called up by Sri Lanka last year, but did not play.
At 22, wicketkeeper-batsman Samarawickrama is the youngest of the trio but has represented his country at the under-19 level.
Opener Kaushal Silva is back in the squad for the first time since January. The 31-year-old has not been called up since his first-ball duck against South Africa at the Wanderers on Jan. 14.
Lahiru Thirimanne will add experience to Sri Lanka's batting line-up in the absence of the injured Mathews after being given the nod for the first time since the tour of England in June last year.
There was also a recall for seamer Suranga Lakmal, who missed the second and third Tests against India last month with a back injury.
Sri Lanka will be hoping for a better showing in the two-Test series with Pakistan after being whitewashed 3-0 by India at home last month.
The first Test against Pakistan begins on September 28.
Share
