Oshada Fernando makes his way back in the Sri Lanka squad as they gear up for a two-test series against New Zealand.
Oshada Fernando has made his way back to the Sri Lankan Test team after an 18-month hiatus. As a result, Nishan Madushka, Sri Lanka’s opening batsman, is out of the 16-man lineup. Seamer Kasun Rajitha and fast-bowling all-rounder Nisala Tharaka are the other two who were in the group that toured England.
Oshada Fernando is back with the A squad, now on a tour of South Africa, following an outstanding performance. After making 122 and 80 runs in his 21 Test matches, the 32-year-old batsman was Player of the Match.
For the first time since 2023, the selectors felt that this was sufficient to force him onto the test team.
After a tough tour of England, Madushka was obviously the odd man out. Before being given the axe for the third Test, scores in first two tests were 4, 0, 7, and 13. In the last Test, Pathum Nissanka, who had replaced him at the top, hit a century that won the match. As a result, the 25-year-old wicketkeeper has no place in the starting lineup.
In England, neither Rajitha nor Tharaka participated in any games. Taking into account the spin-friendly conditions anticipated in Galle, Sri Lanka’s seam contingent is in good shape.
It is going be challenging for Oshada to find a slot in the batting order, which is set in stone. Ramesh Mendis may start at No. 8 to support the batting and spin-bowling ranks, while Dimuth Karunaratne, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis are all set to hold onto their spots in the playing XI. Sadeera Samarawickrama is also standing by in the wings.
Oshada doesn’t seem to fit in unless one of the more experienced guys like Mathews or Karunaratne steps up.
The first test starts on September 18 and both will take place in Galle.