Sri Lanka Test Squad vs New Zealand: Oshada Fernando Returns as Hosts Name 16-Player Squad

Oshada Fernando replaces Nishan Madushka as Sri Lanka on Monday (September 16) announced their 16-player squad for the two-match home Test series against New Zealand, scheduled to start from Wednesday (September 18).

Oshada, who last featured for the national team in 2023 against New Zealand in Tests, is returning to the Sri Lanka team after 18 months of absence. The top-order batter returns after his impressive showing with the A team, who are currently on a tour to South Africa.

In the first unofficial Test of the two-match series, Oshada produced a Player of the Match performance after smashing 122 and 80, guiding Sri Lanka's A side to victory. Oshada, who has played in 36 matches across formats for Sri Lanka, now makes a comeback.

Madushka made way for Oshada after his underwhelming run with the bat. During Sri Lanka's recent away Test series against England, Madushka posted scores of 4, 0, 7, and 13 in the two Tests. He was dropped for the third Test match after his lean patch of form.

Although Oshada returns to the squad, the top order batter might find it hard to break into the playing XI with Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis likely to retain the top three spots in the batting order.

Meanwhile, senior stars Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews as well as skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis are also certain to retain their place in the playing XI for Sri Lanka in the New Zealand series.

Ramesh Mendis is likely to emerge as a player to fill in the number eight spot. The remaining three slots are likely to be occupied by spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and two seamers, considering the spin-friendly conditions.

Both Tests will take place in Galle. After the first Test concludes, the second match will begin on September 26. Here is a look at the Sri Lankan Test squad for the New Zealand series:

Sri Lanka Test squad vs 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.