Injury Rules Out Nissanka; Udara Called Up for Pakistan Test Series

Colombo, October 27: Pathum Nissanka will not feature in Sri Lanka's upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, dealing a blow to the touring side. Lahiru Udara has been drafted into the squad in his place.

Nissanka continues to recover from a left hamstring injury. The decision was confirmed by Sri Lanka Cricket on Tuesday.

Sri Lanka Cricket stated, "Pathum Nissanka is unable to play the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, which consists of two matches. He has not yet recovered from his left hamstring injury. The Cricket Selection Committee has included Lahiru Udara in his place. As Udara is already in Pakistan with the ODI squad, he was the natural choice."

Nissanka's name had appeared in the Test squad announced earlier, but his selection was always subject to his fitness. Udara's availability in Pakistan simplified the board's decision.

Udara's Test record includes 313 runs from five matches, with one century. He has a highest score of 188.

The two Tests are part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle. The first match will be played in Rawalpindi from November 9, and the second in Lahore on November 17.

Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka. Senior players Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis are included, along with Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara.

In the World Test Championship standings, Sri Lanka are seventh and Pakistan are ninth. The series offers both teams the chance to strengthen their position in the race.

Updated Sri Lanka squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Kesara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake and Pasindu Suryabandara.