Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan due to a hamstring injury.

Sri Lanka have made a change to their 15-member squad ahead of the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, with opener Pathum Nissanka ruled out after failing to recover from a left hamstring injury. The batter was initially included in the 15-member squad but was required to prove his fitness before travelling for the series. However, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that he had not recovered in time, forcing the selectors to make a late change to the squad.

The development delays Nissanka’s return to Test cricket as Sri Lanka prepare for an important assignment in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The series will also mark the team’s first Test campaign under new captain Kusal Mendis.

Pathum Nissanka ruled out of Pakistan Tests due to hamstring injury

Nissanka sustained the left hamstring injury during Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour of England in September. The injury subsequently ruled him out of the T20I series against Pakistan. Although he was later named in Sri Lanka’s squad for the ongoing ODI tri-series, his selection was conditional on passing a fitness assessment.  This is another interruption in Nissanka’s Test career, as he also missed Sri Lanka’s home Test series against India in August due to a wrist injury.

To replace Nissanka, Sri Lanka have named fellow opener Lahiru Udara in the Test squad. Udara is already in Pakistan after being called up as Nissanka’s replacement for the ODI tri-series. The batter has played five Tests and featured in Sri Lanka’s two most recent assignments in the format against West Indies and India. He made a significant contribution during the tour of the Caribbean, scoring 188 runs against West Indies in Antigua.

Sri Lanka announce updated squad for Pakistan Test series

Sri Lanka will play two Tests against Pakistan as part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. The first match is scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi from November 9 to 13, while the second Test will be held in Lahore from November 17 to 21. The series will be an important test for Kusal in his first assignment as Sri Lanka’s Test captain. The visitors will look to make a strong start under their new leadership while adapting to conditions in Pakistan.

Sri Lanka’s updated squad for the Pakistan Test series is as follows:

Kusal Mendis (c), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Lahiru Udara.