(Source X)
For the second Test against England at Lord’s starting Thursday, Sri Lanka has included Lahiru Kumara and Pathum Nissanka in their playing eleven. Kumara replaces Vishwa Fernando, while Nissanka takes the place of Kusal Mendis.
Mendis, who scored 24 and 0 in the first Test at Old Trafford and was dismissed by Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson, is substituted by Nissanka. Nissanka, who last featured in a Test in 2022 against Australia and has an average of 38.35, will bat at number three.
Meanwhile, Vishwa Fernando took two wickets in England’s first innings but allowed 46 runs from his eight overs in the second innings without claiming a wicket. His omission means Sri Lanka will lack a left-arm fast-bowling option at Lord’s.
With these changes, Dinesh Chandimal is expected to keep wicket, though Nishan Madushka is on standby if needed. Chandimal’s fitness is a significant boost for Sri Lanka, as he had retired hurt on 10 during the second innings at Old Trafford after being struck on the hand by a 90mph delivery from Mark Wood. He later returned to score 79 off 119 balls.
Following their five-wicket loss in the first Test at Old Trafford, Sri Lanka needs a victory at Lord’s to keep the series alive. England announced their XI for the match on Tuesday, with the fiery pacer Olly Stone replacing the injured Mark Wood.
Sri Lanka playing eleven for the second Test: Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Pathum Nissanka, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kamindu Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara and Milan Rathnayake.
