Anjala on the brink of a Test cap – Eshan Malinga also in Test squad
Sri Lanka CricketNews article
Young wicketkeeper-batter Anjala Bandara has been included in the Sri Lanka squad named for the two-match Test series against Pakistan. Eshan Malinga, a pace bowler who has impressed in the limited-overs formats, also earning a place in the Test squad is among the notable features of this squad.
Pathum Nissanka has also been included in the 15-member squad led by Kusal Mendis, with his participation to be decided on fitness.
Compared with the squad named for the recent Test series against India, several changes have been made this time. Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Niroshan Dickwella, Ramesh Mendis and Vishwa Fernando have been dropped from the squad, while Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara have been added. Former Test captain Dhananjaya de Silva has also been included in the squad as a player.
Anjala Bandara's recent batting form provided an important backdrop to him earning this opportunity. In a match against the West Indies 'A' team, Anjala compiled 163 in the first innings and went on to make 188 not out in the second innings. His ability to occupy the crease for long periods in both innings and accumulate runs for his team stood out.
In the second four-day match against India 'A' as well, Anjala made 42 and helped build a 99-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Sahan Arachchige. These performances as a batter who can also keep wicket have paved his way into the national Test squad.
Sri Lanka Test squad – Pathum Nissanka (subject to fitness), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (captain), Dhananjaya de Silva, Kesara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake and Anjala Bandara.
Based on Sri Lanka Cricket reporting