In recent international matches, fans witnessed thrilling performances during the T20 and ODI series between India and Sri Lanka. India secured the T20 series with brilliance, while Sri Lanka took the ODI series by surprising many with their remarkable victory over the Indian side. The Sri Lankan spin bowlers received much of the credit for this remarkable feat, but one player shone brightly amid competition by consistently scoring runs—Pathum Nissanka, a promising young opener. Despite his commendable performance throughout the series, Nissanka was surprisingly excluded from Sri Lanka’s playing XI for the upcoming Test series against England.
The first match of the three-match Test series is set to take place at Old Trafford, Manchester, starting Wednesday, August 21. England had already announced their playing XI a day earlier, and shortly after, Sri Lanka revealed their own lineup. In this match, the opening duties have reverted to former captain Dimuth Karunaratne, alongside the young and emerging talent, Nishan Madushka, who has held down the opening slot for Sri Lanka for approximately the last 18 months.
Pathum Nissanka’s Wait Continues
Despite his outstanding performance, scoring 137 runs in the T20 series and 101 runs in the ODI series against India, Nissanka has not been included in the final lineup. Before Madushka took over, Nissanka had been Sri Lanka’s opening batsman for two years. He made an impressive debut in 2021 with a century against the West Indies. However, his form had fluctuated afterward, allowing Madushka to take the mantle. Given Nissanka’s recent form in international cricket, many expected him to reclaim his place in the starting eleven, but unfortunately, this did not materialize for the first Test match.
Sri Lanka Playing XI against England in the first Test match announced 📣 #ENGvSL
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 20, 2024
Debut for Milan Rathnayake
While Pathum Nissanka waits on the sidelines, another player, 28-year-old fast bowler Milan Rathnayake, is set to make his international debut for Sri Lanka. The team is facing challenges due to the absence of several key bowlers, leaving Rathnayake as one of the few options available for selection. His domestic cricket performance has been modest, capturing only 81 wickets in 40 first-class matches and 47 wickets in 45 List A games. However, he had a standout performance in a single ODI, where he took six wickets for just 12 runs in four overs. Sri Lanka will hope that he can replicate this phenomenal form in the red-ball format against England.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Role | Recent Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | Opener | 137 (T20), 101 (ODI) |
| Milan Rathnayake | Fast Bowler | 6 wickets for 12 runs (ODI) |
| Dimuth Karunaratne | Captain & Opener | Inconsistent form |
| Nishan Madushka | Opener | Stabilizing performance |
The anticipation surrounding this Test series is palpable, with fans eager to see if Rathnayake can deliver on the big stage and how Nissanka’s wait for a chance unfolds. Sri Lanka’s strategies and player decisions will undoubtedly be pivotal as they look to outperform England on their home turf.
