Rajitha and Embuldeniya have been recalled to Sri Lanka’s squad for the upcoming Tests against South Africa
Fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has been included in a 17-man Sri Lanka Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against South Africa, starting November 29.
Another notable inclusion is left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, who makes a return to the squad after more than two years.
The duo replace all-rounder Ramesh Mendis and legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay from the squad that faced New Zealand at home in September.
Rajitha, who was not part of the squad for Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series win against New Zealand, had been left out as the home conditions heavily favored spinners.
He was part of the touring party to England in August but did not feature in the playing XI.
His last Test appearance was against Bangladesh in Sylhet, where he claimed eight wickets.
Rajitha was also instrumental in Sri Lanka’s historic 2-0 series win over South Africa in 2019, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with nine wickets, behind Vishwa Fernando, who took 12.
Embulateiya, meanwhile, last played a Test in 2022 against Australia in Galle, where he went wicketless, leading to his omission from the squad for the subsequent home series against Pakistan.
He had been part of the 2019 series win over South Africa, taking six wickets in two matches.
Embuldeniya has been in good form in domestic cricket, picking up 17 wickets in six matches in the 2023/24 National Super League 4-Day Tournament for Kandy, who finished runners-up to Galle.
The rest of the squad is largely as expected, with batters Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunanaratne, and Oshada Fernando, while Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Sadeera Samarawickrama provide options with the gloves.
Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva will lead the side, with all-rounders Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Matthews, and Milan Rathnayake providing additional depth.
The pace attack will be strengthened by Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, and Lahiru Kumara, while Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, and Embuldeniya round out the squad.
The series is part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle, with both teams aiming for a spot in the WTC final.
The first Test will take place at Kingsmead in Durban on November 29, followed by the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.
Sri Lanka will depart for South Africa on November 22.
Squad:
| Player Name |
|---|
| 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 |
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