Colombo, October 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan as he continues to recover from a left hamstring injury, with Lahiru Udara named as his replacement, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Tuesday.
“Pathum Nissanka will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, as he is yet to recover from his left hamstring injury. The Cricket Selection Committee has named Lahiru Udara as his replacement,” SLC said in a statement.
Nissanka had initially been included in Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad subject to regaining full fitness before the opening Test. His continued recovery has now ended his chances of featuring in the series.
Udara, who is already in Pakistan with Sri Lanka’s ODI squad, will join the Test setup. The batter had impressed against the West Indies in June, scoring 188 runs, but was not included in the original Test squad announcement.
The two-Test series is scheduled to begin on November 9, with matches slated for Rawalpindi and Lahore. The fixtures form part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and offer both teams an opportunity to improve their standings.
Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka, with experienced players Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis also included. Dilshan Madushanka has earned a recall, while Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara are among the other players named.
Sri Lanka are currently competing in an ODI tri-series involving Pakistan and England, which concludes on October 31. The team lost its opening match against Pakistan before recording a win over England.
Sri Lanka’s updated Test squad: Kusal Mendis (captain), Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
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