Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep return to Sri Lanka squad for New Zealand Test

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) picked fast bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara in the 17-member squad for the upcoming Test series to be played in New Zealand

Sri Lanka announced its 17-member squad for the forthcoming Test series in and against New Zealand after undergoing extremely difficult times against England. The new selection committee of Sri Lanka Cricket has not only made significant changes to the team but also decided to welcome back its veterans.

The Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC) picked fast bowlers Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara for the upcoming Test series to be played in New Zealand.

The country's selection committee also brought back the pair of Lahiru Thirimanne, who has played 29 Tests for his country and played his last Test against India in November last year.

Nuwan Pradeep, had successful tours of South Africa and United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the last two years.

Apart from him, 21-year-old Kumara has been included in the team due to his performance on the West Indies tour and against England.

Dinesh Chandimal, who has not played in the last two Tests against England due to injury, has also returned to lead the team again in the Test series. At the same time, batsman skill silva is excluded from the series.

Batsman Kaushal Silva has been left out of the squad after a substandard 41 runs from four innings across Tests in Galle and Pallekele.

Sri Lanka will play two Tests, in Wellington and Christchurch, with the first of the two games beginning on December 15.

Squad: Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya De Silva, Angelo Mathews, Roshen Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilruwan Perera, Lakshan Sandakan, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera