ICC World Test Championship:<\/b> Sri Lanka have named a 15-member squad for their two-Test tour of Pakistan in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025\u20132027 cycle, with Kusal Mendis set to take charge of the red-ball side for the first time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The series will begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, before the teams move to Lahore for the second Test. The appointment marks another step in Mendis\u2019 growing leadership responsibilities, having already taken charge of Sri Lanka\u2019s white-ball teams earlier this year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Pathum Nissanka has been included in the touring squad, but his availability for the opening Test will depend on his recovery and medical clearance. The batter will travel with the team only if he is declared fit ahead of the series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The squad also features a maiden Test call-up for Anjala Bandara, who has earned his place in the 15-member group for the away assignment.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mendis\u2019 elevation follows Dhananjaya de Silva\u2019s decision to step down as Test captain last week. De Silva had led Sri Lanka in the format since January 2024 and cited the need to hand responsibility to the next generation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my genuine opinion that the mantle should go down to the next generation,\u201d de Silva said in a letter he sent to Sri Lanka\u2019s selection committee.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Selection Committee finalised Mendis\u2019 appointment at a meeting held at the board\u2019s headquarters on Thursday. The wicketkeeper-batter has considerable experience in the longest format, having played 75 Tests and scored 4,836 runs, including 10 centuries and 23 half-centuries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mendis was appointed Sri Lanka\u2019s white-ball captain in May, succeeding Charith Asalanka in the ODI role and Dasun Shanaka in T20Is. His appointment as Test skipper now places him at the helm across all three international formats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Pakistan tour will provide Mendis with his first opportunity to lead the Test team in a competitive series, with Sri Lanka looking to make progress in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Mendis was appointed Sri Lanka\u2019s white-ball captain in May, succeeding Charith Asalanka in the ODI role and Dasun Shanaka in T20Is. His appointment as Test skipper now places him at the helm across all three international formats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n