Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the two-match Test series against Pakistan after failing to clear a fitness test due to a left hamstring injury. Sri Lanka Cricket announced that the batsman would be left out of the initial 15-man squad after he failed to meet fitness criteria.
Lahiru Udara has been called into the squad in place of Nissanka. Udara had already traveled to Pakistan to join the squad for the ongoing ODI tri-series and was originally called up as insurance cover for Nissanka who was deemed unfit for the limited-overs contest.
Pathum Nissanka's hamstring injury delays his return
Pathum Nissanka's latest injury occurred during Sri Lanka's white-ball tour to England in September 2026. After being ruled out of the T20Is against Pakistan, he was unable to earn a spot in the ODI tri-series due to fitness concerns. He has also failed the fitness test for the Test series.
The 15-man Test squad originally included Pathum Nissanka but it was made clear he'd need to be fully fit before joining the squad. However, he has failed to meet the required medical standards and this decision has been made to drop him from the squad and confirm Udara's inclusion.
The opener has struggled with injuries recently, including missing Sri Lanka's home Test series against India in August 2026 due to a wrist injury. This latest injury to his hamstring means that he has been ruled out of multiple formats.
Who is Lahiru Udara?
Udara has played five Tests for Sri Lanka and has been involved in their last two Test series against the West Indies and India. He has had some standout moments in Tests, including hitting 188 against the West Indies in Antigua.
With Udara being involved in the ODI squad in Pakistan, it means that it's an easy decision for Sri Lanka to include him in the Test squad. Udara can now work on building his case in the longest format as they prepare for what could be a tough series on their travels.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test Series
Sri Lanka will play two Tests against Pakistan as part of the current World Test Championship. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from the 9th to 13th November. The second Test will be played in Lahore from 17th to 21st November 2026.
This will also be the first Test series that Sri Lanka will play with Kusal Mendis as their captain.
Sri Lanka's Latest Test Squad (15 men) – Pakistan Series
Kusal Mendis (C), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Lahiru Udara.
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