Sri Lanka to Miss Retired All-Rounder Mathews, Pacer Ruled Out

COLOMBO: Milan Rathnayake, the right-arm fast bowler, will be absent from Sri Lanka’s lineup for the second Test match against Bangladesh. The match is slated to commence on June 25 and conclude on June 29 at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

According to statements from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), the 28-year-old sustained a left-side strain while delivering a ball during the initial Test match in Galle.

The hosts will also be without the services of seasoned all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who declared his retirement from Test cricket on Saturday after a celebrated 15-year career.

Consequently, Sri Lanka has brought in left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando and spinner Dunith Wellalage into the squad for the forthcoming game.

Fernando has played in 27 Test matches for Sri Lanka, securing 79 wickets. Wellalage’s sole Test appearance was in 2022 against Pakistan.

The second Test holds importance for both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as the victor will secure their first series win in the current ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle.

The first match in Galle concluded in a draw, with batsmen from both teams displaying considerable resilience.

Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, stood out with centuries in both innings, earning him the title of Player of the Match. Shanto scored 148 in the first innings, followed by an unbeaten 125 in the second.

Sri Lanka squad for second Bangladesh Test: Dhananjaya De Silva (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Dunith Wellalage, Pavan Rathnayake, Prabath Jayasuriya, Tharindu Ratnayake, Akila Dananjaya, Asitha Fernando, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara