Opening batsman Upul Tharanga is set to play his first Test in over six years, after being named in Sri Lanka’s 15-man squad for the two-Test series against South Africa.
Middle-order batsman Kithuruwan Vithanage also found a place in the squad, as did spinner Ajantha Mendis. Fast bowler Dhammika Prasad, who was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s win at Headingley, has also been retained, while Suranga Lakmal is touted to make a return after recovering from a hamstring tear.
Tharanga, 29, had been pigeon-holed as an ODI player, and lost his place in the limited-overs team in the interim, but has won his way back into the Test side on the back of a decent domestic season and a good run in the Sri Lanka A side.
