Kasun Rajitha and Lasith Embuldeniya made a comeback to Sri Lanka’s Test squad for the tour of South Africa, as Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Tuesday announced the names of 16 players who will feature in the two-Test series.
The first Test commences in Durban on November 27, followed by the second match in Gqeberha from December 5.
Having last featured against Bangladesh in March, the 31-year-old Rajitha was not included in the squad that defeated New Zealand 2-0 in favourable spinning conditions at home in September.
Meanwhile, Embuldeniya has been recalled for red-ball internationals after his last Test appearance in July 2022.
The squad will be led by Dhananjaya de Silva.
Currently third in the World Test Championship (WTC) rankings behind Australia and India, Sri Lanka need victories in three of their remaining four matches, including two home fixtures against Australia next year, to secure a place in the WTC final.
The Sri Lankan spin contingent, led by Prabath Jayasuriya who excelled against New Zealand, includes off-spinner Nishan Peiris, who claimed nine wickets in his first Test against the Black Caps.
Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara