Oshada Fernando Returns to Sri Lanka's Test Squad for New Zealand Series
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
Top-order batter Oshada Fernando has been recalled to Sri Lanka's Test squad after an 18-month absence for the upcoming two-match home series against New Zealand. His return to the 16-man squad comes at the expense of opening batter Nishan Madushka, who has been left out following a tough tour of England. Fast-bowling allrounder Nisala Tharaka and seamer Kasun Rajitha have also been omitted from the group that toured England earlier.
Oshada's comeback was fueled by a standout performance on Sri Lanka 's A tour of South Africa, where he delivered a Player-of-the-Match display with scores of 122 and 80 in the first unofficial Test in Kimberley. The 32-year-old, who has played 21 Tests, was promptly recalled to the senior squad as selectors opted to cut short his stint with the A team.
Madushka's exclusion was widely anticipated after his struggles in England, where he registered scores of 4, 0, 7, and 13 in the first two Tests before being dropped for the third match. Pathum Nissanka, who replaced him at the top of the order, cemented his place with a match-winning century in the final Test, leaving no room for the 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batter in the current setup.
Tharaka and Rajitha, who did not feature in the England series, have also been left out as Sri Lanka's seam attack, comprising Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, and Milan Rathnayake, impressed during the tour. Given the spin-friendly conditions expected in Galle, Sri Lanka’s seam contingent is already well-stocked.
Despite Oshada's inclusion, he faces a tough battle to break into a settled batting lineup that includes Dimuth Karunaratne, Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis. Even with Ramesh Mendis likely slotting in at No. 8 to provide spin support, Oshada may need to wait for his opportunity unless one of the senior players like Karunaratne or Mathews is rested and this could have an huge impact on the betting odds offered by the best cricket betting sites.
Sri Lanka is expected to field lead spinner Prabath Jayasuriya alongside two seamers, or potentially add a second spinner in Jeffrey Vandersay for the series, leaving limited space for batting changes.
Sri Lanka's Test Squad vs New Zealand
Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), 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, Milan Rathnayake.
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