Sri Lanka will take the field in the second Test against Bangladesh at Colombo’s SSC Ground on Wednesday, aiming for their first series victory in the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle. After a drawn opening Test in Galle, the series is tied 0–0, making the second match a decisive encounter.
However, the hosts have suffered a setback ahead of the series decider. Fast bowler Milan Rathnayake has been ruled out due to a left leg injury sustained during the first Test. In addition, veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews will not be part of the squad after announcing his retirement following the Galle Test.
To fill the gaps, left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando and young spinner Dunith Wellalage have been added to the squad. Fernando, with 27 Tests and 79 wickets, brings valuable experience to the bowling attack.
Wellalage, who played his only Test against Pakistan in 2022, offers a fresh spin option.
Despite dominating much of the first Test with the bat, Bangladesh had to settle for a draw. As both teams kick off their WTC campaigns in this series, the result of the Colombo Test will determine who begins the cycle with a victory.
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