Six New Faces in Sri Lanka’s Test Squad as Angelo Mathews Prepares for Farewell

Just two days before the start of the Test series against Bangladesh, the Sri Lanka Cricket Board has announced its 18-member squad, introducing six uncapped players who could potentially make their Test debut. The announcement came on Monday, June 16.

Making their first appearance in the Test squad are:
Lahiru Udara, Pasindu Suriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Pawan Rathnayake, Tharindu Rathnayake, and Ishita Wijesundara. The inclusion of these young players signals Sri Lanka’s long-term strategic planning and investment in youth.

However, all eyes are on veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who has confirmed that the first Test against Bangladesh will be his final appearance in Test cricket. The 38-year-old made his Test debut in Galle in 2009, and fittingly, he will also bid farewell to the format at the same venue.

The two-match Test series will begin on June 17 in Galle, followed by the second and final match on June 25 in Colombo. This series also marks the start of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle.

Photo: Collected