COLOMBO: Sri Lanka recalled seamer Kasun Rajitha and left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya on Tuesday for the two-Test series in South Africa starting later this month.

Rajitha played the last of his 18 Tests against Bangladesh in March and the 31-year-old was left out of the squad that beat New Zealand 2-0 in spin-friendly home conditions in September.

Embuldeniya is in line to play his first Test since July 2022 after being drafted into the 17-member squad led by Dhananjaya de Silva.

Prabath Jayasuriya, player of the series against New Zealand, will lead a Sri Lanka spin attack which also includes off-spinner Nishan Peiris, who took nine wickets in his debut Test against the Black Caps.

The series begins in Durban on Nov 27, while the second Test is scheduled in Gqeberha from Dec 5.

BAVUMA CLEARED

Meanwhile, South African captain Temba Bavuma has been cleared to face Sri Lanka in the home Tests after missing out on the series sweep in Bangladesh last month with an elbow injury.

Batter Bavuma has been a key part of South Africa’s middle order in recent years and his return is a boost for the side as they seek to earn a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s next year.

All-rounder Marco Jansen (rested) and fast bowler Gerald Coetzee (injury) are also back in the squad after missing the comprehensive win in Bangladesh.

“We’ve picked the strongest possible side to ensure we stay competitive and keep our hopes alive for a place in the WTC final,” coach Shukri Conrad said.

“We’ve named a squad of 14 instead of the usual 15 to allow players on the periphery of selection the opportunity to play first-class cricket for their respective provincial teams.

“It’s great to have Temba back leading the side after his recovery. His leadership and skill are invaluable to the team.”

Australia and India are the top two in the WTC and South Africa will likely have to win both matches against Sri Lanka, and two home Tests against Pakistan to reach the final. Third-placed Sri Lanka need to win three of their remaining four matches, including two on home soil against Australia next year, to make the final.

Squads:

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne

Sri Lanka: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Lasith Embuldeniya, Milan Rathnayake, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara.

Published in Dawn, November 20th, 2024