Sri Lanka are set to begin a new era in Test cricket starting June 25, as veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews bows out of the longest format. The team has made notable changes for the second Test against Bangladesh in Colombo, with 22-year-old all-rounder Dunith Wellalage returning to the squad.
Dunith Wellalage Set for Test Return
Wellalage has only featured in one Test match so far—against Pakistan in 2022—but he has already made a significant mark in international cricket, particularly in the ODI format. The young spinner has claimed 37 wickets in just 28 innings and built a reputation for outsmarting top-tier batters. He’s dismissed world-class players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, and Shubman Gill on multiple occasions, showcasing his big-match temperament and control with the ball.
Although Wellalage has been added to the Test squad, he is not expected to be the direct replacement for Mathews. That spot is likely to be filled by either Pasindu Sooriyabandara or Pavan Rathnayake—both promising batters with strong first-class credentials. Sooriyabandara, in particular, boasts an outstanding first-class batting average of 56.87, making him a strong contender for a middle-order role.
Injury Forces Milan Rathnayake Out
In another change to the squad, fast bowler Milan Rathnayake has been ruled out of the second Test due to injury. He will be replaced by left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando, who brings valuable experience to the pace attack. The injury is a setback for Rathnayake, who had been pushing for a more permanent place in Sri Lanka’s red-ball plans.
The upcoming second Test will be played in Colombo, following a hard-fought draw in the first Test—a match that marked Mathews’ farewell to Test cricket. His absence will be deeply felt in the dressing room, but it also opens the door for a new generation to step up.
Sri Lanka Squad for 2nd Test vs Bangladesh
- Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Oshada Fernando
- Lahiru Udara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Kusal Mendis
- Dunith Wellalage
- Pasindu Sooriyabandara
- Sonal Dinusha
- Pavan Rathnayake
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Tharindu Rathnayake
- Akila Dananjaya
- Vishwa Fernando
- Asitha Fernando
- Kasun Rajitha
- Isitha Wijesundara
