Pathum Nissanka ruled out of Pakistan Test series, Lahiru Udara named replacement

Sri Lanka have suffered a setback ahead of their two-Test series against Pakistan, with opener Pathum Nissanka ruled out after failing to recover from a left hamstring injury.Nissanka was included in the original 15-member squad on the condition that he would travel only after receiving medical clearance. However, Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that the opener had not recovered sufficiently to take part in the series.The 27-year-old sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s white-ball tour of England in September, forcing him to miss the subsequent T20I series against Pakistan. He was later named in the squad for the ongoing ODI tri-series as a conditional selection but was ruled out after failing to prove his fitness.The latest injury setback also delays Nissanka’s return to Test cricket. He had missed Sri Lanka’s home Test series against India in August because of a wrist injury.Lahiru Udara replaces NissankaSri Lanka have named Lahiru Udara as Nissanka’s replacement for the two-Test assignment. Udara is already in Pakistan with the one-day squad, having initially joined the group as Nissanka’s replacement for the tri-series.The opener has featured in five Tests for Sri Lanka and was part of the team’s two most recent assignments in the format against the West Indies and India. He made a significant contribution during the series against the West Indies, scoring 188 in Antigua.The two-Test series against Pakistan forms part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle and will begin on November 9. The matches are scheduled to be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore, with both teams aiming to improve their positions in the standings.Kusal Mendis to lead Sri LankaKusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka after being appointed skipper earlier this month. The squad also includes experienced campaigners Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis.Dilshan Madushanka has earned a recall, while Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara have also received call-ups for the series.Sri Lanka currently occupy seventh place in the World Test Championship standings, with Pakistan in ninth. The upcoming fixtures offer both sides an opportunity to gain ground in the competition as the hosts prepare to welcome the visitors for the two Tests.Sri Lanka’s updated squad for Pakistan Tests: Kusal Mendis (captain), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Dhananjaya de Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Lahiru Udara.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.