Pradeep last played Test cricket in January 2017
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Pace bowler Nuwan Pradeep has returned to Sri Lanka’s squad for the first Test against India in Galle.
For the last two weeks, Pradeep has been out of action with a hamstring injury, but the selectors were confident that he would be fit for the Test series against India.
All-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva is also back after being dropped for the one-off Test against Zimbabwe earlier this month.
Meanwhile, uncapped left-arm spinner Malinda Pushpakumara could make his Test debut later this week as he was drafted into the squad.
Pushpakumara has been one of the most consistent performers in Sri Lanka’s first-class competition as he has taken 558 wickets in 99 matches at an average of 19.85.
While it is slightly bizarre that Pushpakumara has not played international cricket to date, it can likely be attributed to the fact that Rangana Herath has long been Sri Lanka’s go-to left-arm spinner.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and India will get underway on Wednesday, but Herath will be captaining the hosts as Dinesh Chandimal was ruled out of the match after being hospitalised with pneumonia.
Sri Lanka’s Squad for first Test: Rangana Herath (capt), Upul Tharanga, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Asela Gunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Malinda Pushpakumara, Nuwan Pradeep