Dinesh Chandimal included in Sri Lanka side for New Zealand Tests

The Sri Lankan cricket team picked a 15-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand which will be the first series for both teams under the new World Test Championship. The squad sees the inclusion of Angelo Mathews and most notably Dinesh Chandimal. Mathews had missed the series against South Africa due to a hamstring injury but it is Chandimal's inclusion that is the main focus.

Chandimal was in poor form during the series in Australia in which Sri Lanka were whitewashed 2-0. The right-hander was left out during the tour to South Africa and for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 due to poor form. Chandimal averages 41 in Tests but has endured an inconsistent run in the last couple of years in all formats.

The Sri Lankan team also sees the inclusion of Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Embuldeniya and Akila Dananjaya. Embuldeniya took five wickets during Sri Lanka's historic series win in South Africa while Dananjaya was in good form during the series against Bangladesh after remodelling his action.

The first Test against New Zealand starts Wednesday at Galle. No squad has been named yet for the second Test starting August 22 in Colombo. New Zealand will also play T20s on August 31, September 2 and September 6 during their tour.

Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dikwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Oshada Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando. 

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HIGHLIGHTS

• Sri Lanka will play two Tests against New Zealand in World Test Championship.
• Dinesh Chandimal last played for Sri Lanka in February.
• New Zealand will also play T20s along with the Tests against Sri Lanka.