Ramesh Mendis gets call-up for 2nd Australia test following a prolific run in the domestic Major League Tournament.
Ramesh Mendis has been added to Sri Lanka’s squad for the second Test against Australia.
The 18-man team has been reduced to include Vishwa Fernando and top-order batsman Lahiru Udara. Ramesh joined the team on Monday, according to Sri Lanka team manager Mahinda Halangoda, who also verified the alterations.
Due to what Sri Lanka’s team management deemed to be a poor bowling performance against New Zealand in November, Ramesh was first removed from the Test XI and then from the squad altogether.
However, Sri Lanka called back Ramesh after losing to Australia 654 for 6 in the first innings of the first Test match at Galle. This is due in part to his bowling performance in the Major League Tournament, an ongoing first-class competition, where he has taken 24 wickets at an average of 21.91 and amassed 260 runs at an average of 52 from six innings.
Although he has played all 15 of his Test matches in Asia so far, his bowling performances among the elite Test teams have been relatively modest. For instance, in two games played at Galle in 2022, he has taken seven wickets at an average of 40.85 against Australia.
Given their lack of experience in their spin attack, Sri Lanka will give him serious consideration for a berth in the starting lineup. Two frontline spinners were playing their second Test for Sri Lanka in the previous game, which ended in their worst Test loss ever.
On Thursday, the second Test begins in Galle.