During Sri Lanka’s two-match Test series against Bangladesh later this month, star opener Dimuth Karunaratne will head a rather inexperienced side.

On Wednesday, Sri Lanka’s selectors picked an 18-man squad for the vital red-ball series, with a number of key players absent as the team chases crucial World Test Championship points.

Former captain Angelo Mathews and right-hander Dhananjaya De Silva have been asked to assist Karunaratne at the top of the Sri Lankan order, as Roshen Silva has opted out of the Bangladesh tour.

Karunaratne is currently ranked sixth in Men’s ICC Test Batting Rankings, and he will be expected to provide plenty of runs and experience to Sri Lankan side that is entering a crucial stage of the World Test Championship, with a home series against Australia following Bangladesh matches.

STANDINGS AT WTC RECENTLY

Sri Lanka’s seam attack will most likely be led by left-armer Vishwa Fernando, with Suranga Lakmal retired, Lahiru Kumara on the outer and Dushmantha Chameera focused on white-ball cricket.

Kasun Rajitha, Asitha Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, and uncapped Dilshan Madushanka are the four seamers in the team, with Mathews also available to assist with the ball.

Sri Lanka’s spin arsenal will be led by left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, with Ramesh Mendis and Praveen Jayawickrama as backup options for Karunaratne.

The two-Test series begins on May 15 in Chittagong, before shifting to Dhaka for the second and final Test on May 23.

Sri Lanka is currently in fifth place in the World Test Championship standings, having won two and drawn two Test matches between 2021 and 2023.

During that time, Bangladesh has only won one Test and is now in seventh place, just above of England.

Sri Lanka squad: 

Suminda Lakshan, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Praveen Jayawickrama, Lasith Embuldeniya, Kamil Mishara, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dimuth Karunaratne (c).