Sri Lanka have confirmed that star batter Pathum Nissanka will miss the upcoming World Test Championship series against Pakistan as he continues his recovery from injury. Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement for the two-Test series, which begins in Rawalpindi on 9 November.
Nissanka Ruled Out
Nissanka was included in Sri Lanka’s original Test squad, subject to fitness clearance. However, he has not recovered in time for the series.
The injury also forced him to miss Sri Lanka’s recent white-ball assignments in Pakistan, including the T20I series and the ODI tri-series against England and the hosts.
Udara Steps In
Udara will join the Test squad ahead of the series. He is already part of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the tri-series. He has previously represented Sri Lanka in Test and T20I cricket, and he scored a career-best 188 during the World Test Championship series against the West Indies earlier in 2026.
Sri Lanka’s Recent Form
Sri Lanka recently completed the second-highest run chase in ODI history against England during the tri-series.
Test Series Schedule
Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, will open their two-match Test series against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second Test follows in Lahore.
First Test: 9-13 November, Rawalpindi
Second Test: 17-21 November, Lahore
Sri Lanka Test Squad
Kusal Mendis (c), 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.