New-look Sri Lanka for Galle Test

The sparkling glovework of Prasanna Jayawardene, right, will not be seen during the first Test against Pakistan at Galle

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Young all-rounder Angelo Mathews is among three uncapped players named in Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad for the first Test against Pakistan at Galle.

But Sri Lanka’s squad does not include the specialist wicketkeeper, Prasanna Jayawardene, who was ruled out due to a finger injury sustained in practice last week.

The uncapped gloveman Kaushal Silva was named in his place.

It was uncertain whether Silva would debut in the first Test, which starts at the Galle International Stadium on July 4, as captain Kumar Sangakkara and dashing batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan are both accomplished keepers.

“A specialist wicketkeeper is important, but then again we have two other wicketkeepers in the squad, myself and Dilshan,” Sangakkara said.

“It’s the balance of the side is the important thing and the option of either an extra batsman at number seven or an all-rounder would add depth.

“This is a great chance for someone to make a mark both personally and for the team, and whoever gets the spot must take the chance.”

Mathews, 22, who shone for Sri Lanka in the ICC World Twenty20 in England, and fast bowler Suranga Lakmal are the other two uncapped players in the side.

Lakmal comes into the party at the expense of Dilhara Fernando, while veteran left-arm fast seamer Chaminda Vaas was overlooked.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga, another star performer in the World Twenty20, was also dropped due to fitness concerns and Dammika Prasad included in his place.

Sri Lanka squad: Kumar Sangakkara (captain, wicketkeeper), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dammika Prasad, Kaushal Silva (wicketkeeper), Suranga Lakmal.