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

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 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).

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)

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 page, and today's live score is on the cricket today page.

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