Madushka, 23, has seemingly pressured his manner into the selectors’ minds following a string of spectacular performances in opposition to the England Lions earlier this yr. Turning out for Sri Lanka A, he produced innings of 241 and 100, whereas he additionally hit 150 in opposition to the identical opposition whereas representing a Board President’s XI.
His inclusion means Pathum Nissanka finds himself the odd man out. Nissanka had made a formidable begin to his Test profession, scoring 537 runs throughout 15 innings, and was a mainstay in the Lankan prime order till mid 2022. Thereafter, a sub-par displaying in opposition to Australia at residence, the place he scored simply 43 runs in three innings – mixed with a bout of Covid-19 – noticed him omitted for Sri Lanka’s subsequent two Tests in opposition to Pakistan. He has since made his mark in the white-ball format, however Madushka’s current kind has proved robust to disregard.
Alongside Nissanka, additionally out are Maheesh Theekshana, Lakshitha Manasinghe, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dunith Wellalage and Dilshan Madushanka. Aside from Nissanka and seamer Madushanka, the remainder are all spin bowlers with solely Wellalage providing one thing with the bat. With New Zealand circumstances anticipated to favour seam and bounce, Sri Lanka have understandably sought to forego spin in favour of tempo.
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Rathnayake’s inclusion is a bit more simple. The 26-year previous had been the choose of the seam bowlers in opposition to England Lions, and whereas he is unlikely to be referred to as into the taking part in XI, he’ll present sufficient backup to Sri Lanka’s 5 different seam-bowling choices – Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, and the returning pair of Kumara and Karunaratne, who can be a succesful lower-order batter.
On the batting entrance, Sri Lanka boast a comparatively settled unit, led by the captain Dimuth Karunaratne. Oshada Fernando is succesful of batting wherever on the prime of the order, although it’s his place that could be below risk by Madushka. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal will provide middle-order expertise in spades, whereas In Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka have a person in red-hot kind – albeit in white-ball cricket. Dhananjaya, Kamindu and Niroshan Dickwella spherical off the checklist.
Sri Lanka just lately accomplished a coaching session in Radella – some 4000 ft above sea degree – to simulate circumstances which are near New Zealand. The first Test is in Christchurch, beginning March 9.
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