Wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s Test setup, named in a 16-member squad for the opening Test against India in Galle.

The Sri Lanka Cricket selection committee announced the squad ahead of the first Test, which runs from August 15 to 19 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Dickwella is the headline inclusion.

Dhananjaya de Silva will captain the side, with Kamindu Mendis named vice-captain. Veteran batter Dinesh Chandimal is also included, giving Sri Lanka a core of experienced Test players alongside Dickwella’s return.

The squad

Dickwella and Chandimal are joined in the batting group by Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Sonal Dinusha.

Sri Lanka have opted for a strong spin presence at Galle, selecting Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis. The pace attack features Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake and Dilshan Madushanka, with Keshara Nuwantha completing the 16.

Full squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kamindu Mendis (vice-captain), Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka, Dinesh Chandimal, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella (wicketkeeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka.

Context

The two-match series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, with points on offer for both sides. Sri Lanka Cricket has opened both Tests to the public free of charge, with entry to Galle through Gate No. 4.

India, who arrived in the island earlier this month, will be without batter Sai Sudharsan, who was ruled out of the series after failing to recover from a foot injury picked up on the India A tour.

Ada Derana reported that Dickwella’s selection is likely to draw considerable attention as Sri Lanka look to balance experience and youth, and that his return gives the hosts a keeper familiar with conditions at Galle.

Sources: Niroshan Dickwella returns to Sri Lanka squad for test series against India — Ada Derana, August 12; Dikwella makes Test return as Sri Lanka name India squad — Daily Mirror, August 12; Sri Lanka squad named for first Test against India — Hiru News, August 12.