Sri Lanka have announced a 15-member squad for their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan as part of the ICC World Test Championship. Kusal Mendis will take charge of the team in the longest format for the first time, while his predecessor, Dhananjaya de Silva, has retained his place in the squad.

Mendis, 31, already leads Sri Lanka in both ODIs and T20Is. He was recently named Test captain after De Silva decided to step down from the role.

The two-Test series will begin on November 9, with matches scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore. Both teams will be looking to improve their positions in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.

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Dhananjaya de Silva Steps Down As Sri Lanka Test Captain

De Silva, 35, decided to give up the captaincy to make way for the next generation of Sri Lankan cricketers. However, he will continue to be part of the team for the Pakistan tour.

The decision marks a new chapter for Sri Lanka’s Test side, with Mendis now set to lead the team in the upcoming series.

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Pathum Nissanka Included Despite Injury Concerns

Batter Pathum Nissanka has also been named in the squad, but his availability for the first Test will depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Nissanka picked up the injury during Sri Lanka’s ODI series against England last month. The team management will be hoping he regains full fitness in time for the opening match.

His inclusion gives Sri Lanka another batting option, although his final participation will depend on his fitness ahead of the series.

Sri Lanka And Pakistan Look To Improve WTC Standings

The upcoming series will be important for both sides as they look to improve their positions in the World Test Championship standings.

Sri Lanka are currently seventh in the table with a points percentage of 33.33. Pakistan, meanwhile, sit at the bottom with a points percentage of 4.63.

With two Tests scheduled in Pakistan, both teams will be keen to collect valuable points and build momentum in the ongoing championship cycle.

Sri Lanka squad for Pakistan Tests

Kusal Mendis (c), Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Eshan Malinga.