Sri Lanka have named a 16-member squad for the first Test against India, with experienced wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella making a return to the Test setup after a three-year absence.
Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the side, with Kamindu Mendis appointed vice-captain. Dickwella, 33, brings considerable Test experience to the squad, having played 54 matches and scored 2,757 runs, including 22 half-centuries.
Keshara Nuwanta and left-arm fast bowler Dilshan Madushanka have also been recalled after missing Sri Lanka's squad for the West Indies series.
The squad features a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, including Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and India is scheduled to begin on the 15th at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, with Sri Lanka looking to make a strong start against one of the leading Test sides in world cricket.
Dickwella's return is expected to be one of the major talking points ahead of the opening Test, as Sri Lanka turn to his experience behind the stumps and in the middle order.
