# Sri Lanka Test squad vs Pakistan: Nissanka back, Kusal Mendis captain, two uncapped players named

Source: Searchable (https://searchable.pk/news/cricket/sri-lanka-test-squad-vs-pakistan-nissanka-back-kusal-mendis-captain-two-uncapped)
Type: News article
Author: Searchable Editorial
Published: 13 Oct 2026
Updated: 13 Oct 2026
Retrieved: 13 Oct 2026

> Sri Lanka pick 15 for the two Tests in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 9 November, with wicketkeeper Anjala Bandara and quick Eshan Malinga in line for debuts.

**Sri Lanka have named their Test squad for Pakistan:** opener **Pathum Nissanka** is back, **Kusal Mendis** is the new Test captain, and two uncapped players, wicketkeeper **Anjala Bandara** and fast bowler **Eshan Malinga**, are in line for debuts in the two-Test series that starts in **Rawalpindi on Monday 9 November**, [ESPNcricinfo reported](https://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1558253.html) on Tuesday. Both Tests carry World Test Championship points.

The squad was announced on the day Pakistan and Sri Lanka play the third and final T20I in Rawalpindi at **6pm PKT**, with Pakistan already 2-0 up after wins by six wickets and 82 runs ([series page, results and where to watch](/news/cricket/pakistan-vs-sri-lanka-2026-schedule-results)).

## Sri Lanka Test squad for the Pakistan tour

Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, **Kusal Mendis (captain)**, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga.

**Out** from the squad that played India: Kamil Mishara, Sahan Arachchige, Lahiru Udara, Niroshan Dickwella and Vishwa Fernando. **Back:** Nissanka, who last played a Test in June against West Indies; Chandimal, who missed the second India Test injured; and left-arm seamer Madushanka.

## What the changes mean

- **Kusal Mendis as captain, not keeper.** With Mendis promoted, the 22-year-old Bandara is expected to keep wicket. His first-class record is the reason fans wanted him: 2,239 runs in 31 matches at an average of 65.85, according to ESPNcricinfo.
- **Pace for Pindi.** Sri Lanka's seamers mostly bowl in the low 130s kph; Kumara is the exception. Malinga can match his speed, which is why he could win a first cap on a Rawalpindi pitch that has helped quick bowlers in recent seasons.
- **Who misses out.** If Bandara keeps, former captain Dhananjaya de Silva could be the batter left out, with Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha and Kusal Mendis all expected to play.
- **Spin:** Prabath Jayasuriya and Keshara Nuwantha are the only frontline spinners.

## Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test dates (PKT)

| Dates | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 4 to 6 Nov | Sri Lanka three-day warm-up | Islamabad |
| 9 to 13 Nov | 1st Test | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium |
| 17 to 21 Nov | 2nd Test | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |

Before the Tests, Pakistan host Sri Lanka and England in an ODI tri-series in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18 to 31 October. Every fixture, with times in Pakistan, is on our [Pakistan cricket schedule 2026-27](/news/cricket/pakistan-cricket-schedule-2026-27-fixtures-in-pakistan-time) page, and today's live score is on the [cricket today page](/cricket-today).

Pakistan have not named their Test squad yet. We will add it here when the PCB announces it.

## Frequently asked questions

**When does the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series start?**

The first Test is in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 November 2026 and the second in Lahore from 17 to 21 November. Sri Lanka play a three-day warm-up in Islamabad from 4 to 6 November.

**Who is Sri Lanka's Test captain against Pakistan?**

Kusal Mendis, who has been promoted to captain and is expected to play as a specialist batter, with Anjala Bandara keeping wicket.

## Sources

- Pathum Nissanka's return headlines Sri Lanka's Test squad against Pakistan (13 Oct 2026) (ESPNcricinfo): https://www.cricinfo.com/ci/content/story/1558253.html
- Pakistan to host Sri Lanka and England for T20Is, ODI tri-series and Tests (Pakistan Cricket Board): https://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/pakistan-to-host-sri-lanka-and-england-for-t20is-odi-tri-series-and-tests.html

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