Oshada Fernando Returns to Sri Lanka Test Squad for New Zealand Series
Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the upcoming two-match series against New Zealand has undergone a significant shake-up, with top-order batter Oshada Fernando making a long-awaited return. However, the recall of Fernando has come at the expense of opening batter Nishan Madushka, who has been dropped from the 16-man squad.
Fernando’s return to the Test fold is a testament to his impressive performances with the Sri Lanka A team during their ongoing tour of South Africa. The 32-year-old batter played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka A’s victory in the first unofficial Test in Kimberley, scoring a Player-of-the-Match 122 and 80.
Madushka’s omission from the squad is not surprising, given his struggles during Sri Lanka’s recent tour of England. The 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter managed only 34 runs in four innings, leading to his eventual exclusion from the playing XI. His replacement at the top of the order, Pathum Nissanka, seized the opportunity with a match-winning century in the final Test against England.
While Fernando’s recall is a welcome addition to Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, it remains to be seen whether he can break into the settled batting order. Dimuth Karunaratne, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis are all likely to retain their places in the XI.
The remaining three slots in the squad are likely to be filled by lead spinner Prabath Jayasuriya and two seamers, or possibly an extra spinner in Jeffrey Vandersay. This leaves Fernando facing an uphill battle to secure a spot in the playing XI, unless one of the senior players makes way.
The two Tests against New Zealand will both take place in Galle, with the first Test commencing on September 18. Sri Lanka will be hoping to build on their recent success against Australia and continue their upward trajectory in the Test rankings.
