SL vs NZ: Oshada Fernando Recalled To Sri Lanka Test Squad After One Year Hiatus For Two-Match Series Against New Zealand

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Series: Top-order batter Oshada Fernando has been added to the 16-member squad for the two-match Test series against New Zealand after having last played in red-ball format in March 2023.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday announced a 16-member squad for a two-match series against New Zealand, starting from September 18.

Fernando put up a superb performance for Sri Lanka 'A', slamming 122 and 80 runs against South Africa 'A' earlier this month. The 33-year-old replaced Nishan Madushka, who was part of the squad that travelled to England for the three-match Test series.

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Meanwhile, Kasun Rajitha and Nisala Tharaka will miss out on the series, with Sri Lanka retaining 15 members who travelled to England for the tour.

Dhananjaya de Silva will continue to lead Sri Lanka. The 16-player squad includes an abundance of experienced players like Dimuth Karunaratne, Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal with Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama adding up young talent.

Despite losing the three-match Test series 2-1 against England, Sri Lanka will enter the upcoming series against Blackcaps with a momentum from stunning red-ball victory in the third and final match at The Oval.

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Sri Lanka Test Squad: Dhananjaya De Silva (captain), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Oshada Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis, Jeffrey Vandersay and Milan Rathnayake.