Big Blow For Sri Lanka As Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out Of Pakistan Tests

Sri Lanka have suffered a setback ahead of their upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan, with star batter Pathum Nissanka ruled out as he continues to recover from injury. Lahiru Udara has been drafted into the squad as Nissanka's replacement for the two-match Test series, which begins in Rawalpindi on November 9, according to the ICC. Nissanka was initially named in Sri Lanka's Test squad subject to fitness clearance but has failed to regain full fitness in time for the Pakistan tour. The injury had also ruled him out of Sri Lanka's recent white-ball assignments in Pakistan, including the T20I series and the ODI tri-series involving England and the hosts.

Sri Lanka recently made headlines by completing the second-highest successful run chase in ODI history against England during the tri-series.

Udara will now link up with the Test squad after being part of Sri Lanka's ODI outfit for the tournament. The wicketkeeper-batter has previously represented Sri Lanka in Test and T20I cricket and recorded a career-best 188 during the World Test Championship series against the West Indies earlier in 2026.

Under the captaincy of Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka will begin their two-Test campaign against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 9. The second Test will be played in Lahore from November 17.

Sri Lanka 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, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Lahiru Udara.

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