Sri Lanka has named an 18-member squad for their upcoming three-match Test series against England. The Dhanajay De Silva-led side will see a return of Jeffrey Vandersay to the longest format. The squad also includes two uncapped players Nisala Tharaka and Milan Rathnayake.

Vandersay played his first and only test back in 2022 against Australia. He was included in Sri Lanka’s XI for their 2nd ODI against India and he delivered a match-winning spell, picking up 6 wickets. Vandersay comes in as a replacement for Wanindu Hasaranga, who had come out of Test retirement for Sri Lanka’s previous Test series against Bangladesh earlier this year. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis are the other spin options for Sri Lanka along with skipper De Silva.

In the domestic circuit, Tharaka (33) and Rathnayake (28) are seasoned pacers. Of them, the former has played 107 first-class matches and taken 257 wickets. Rathnayake has taken 79 wickets in 39 first-class appearances. In terms of the pace department, they will be the backup options for the likes of Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha.

Opening batsmen Dimuth Karunaratne and Nishan Madushka will lead Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, which is then composed of Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, and Dhananjaya. In addition to his batting abilities, Kamindu Mendis is an ambidextrous bowler.

The first Test between Sri Lanka and England is scheduled to begin on August 21 in Manchester. The second Test will take place at Lord’s on August 29 and the final Test at The Oval on September 6 will follow.

Sri Lanka squad for England Tests: Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (vc), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Nisala Tharaka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milan Rathnayake