After an 18-month absence, Oshada Fernando has been recalled to Sri Lanka's Test squad, leaving no place for opener Nishan Madushka in the 16-member lineup for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand. Alongside Madushka, fast-bowling all-rounder Nisala Tharaka and pacer Kasun Rajitha, who were part of the squad that toured England, have also been excluded.
Fernando's return is the result of standout performances with Sri Lanka A during their tour of South Africa. The 32-year-old batter, with 21 Test caps to his name, made a significant impact by scoring 122 and 80 in the first unofficial Test in Kimberley, which earned him the Player of the Match award. His performance convinced the selectors to cut his South Africa tour short and reintegrate him into the national Test squad for the first time since March 2023.
Madushka’s exclusion was anticipated following his struggles in England, where he managed only 4, 0, 7, and 13 runs in the first two Tests before being dropped for the final match. Pathum Nissanka, who replaced him, hit a match-winning century in the third Test, making it difficult to find a spot for the 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman in the current squad. Tharaka and Rajitha, on the other hand, did not feature in the England series, and with Sri Lanka’s pace bowlers—Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Milan Rathnayake—delivering solid performances, there was little room for additional seamers, especially with Galle’s spin-friendly pitches.
However, despite Oshada’s inclusion, he faces stiff competition for a place in Sri Lanka’s already established batting lineup. Dimuth Karunaratne, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Dinesh Chandimal are likely to keep their spots, while Kamindu Mendis and Ramesh Mendis are expected to strengthen both the batting and spin departments. Sadeera Samarawickrama is also a backup option, further complicating Oshada's chances of making the playing XI. The final three slots in the team are likely to be occupied by lead spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and two fast bowlers or an additional spinner, like Jeffrey Vandersay, depending on the conditions.
Both Tests are scheduled to take place in Galle, with the first match starting on September 18.
Sri Lanka Test Squad Against New Zealand:
Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake.