Sri Lanka add Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige for second Test against India

Sri Lanka Test Team (Pic: X/SL Cricket)

Sri Lanka have included batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige in their Test squad for the upcoming second Test against India in Colombo, as the hosts aim to recover from a 165-run loss in the opening match at Galle.

The two players join the setup as replacements for the crucial fixture, which is set to start on 23 August.

Their call-ups follow strong recent displays from both uncapped cricketers. Arachchige secured his spot after finishing as the top run-getter for his team during the series against India A. In contrast, Mishara earned his inclusion through consistent performances in domestic competitions.

These additions come at a tough period for the home team, who are facing major injury problems. Head coach Gary Kirsten confirmed that Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Pathum Nissanka will not feature in the second Test, causing big gaps in the batting order.

Mendis is still out with a severe hamstring problem, while Nissanka is recovering after wrist surgery. Meanwhile, Chandimal is unavailable after sustaining a concussion on Day 4 of the first Test, requiring a mandatory seven-day stand-down period.

With three main batters out of action, Mishara and Arachchige may be included in the playing XI as Sri Lanka aim to claim a vital win and tie the two-game series.

Looking back at the first Test, India secured a 165-run triumph over Sri Lanka. Devdutt Padikkal's 167-run effort in the first innings and Manav Suthar's maiden 10-wicket match haul served as the main highlights of the visiting team's victory.

India batted first and scored 462 runs before restricting the hosts to 284 in their first innings. A quickfire 50 from Rishabh Pant in the second innings put India in a commanding position, and Manav Suthar took six wickets in the final innings to register a victory in the first Test for the visitors.

This win has put India back in contention for the WTC Finals 2027 to be held at the Oval Ground in London.

Sri Lanka squad for second Test against India:

Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.