WI vs SL 2nd Test: Sri Lanka Named Playing XI Amid Injury Crisis

ANTIGUA: Sri Lanka announced playing XI for the second and final Test against the West Indies, with two debutants included in a reshuffled side after injuries and illness forced changes to the touring squad. The match will begin in North Sound, where Sri Lanka must avoid defeat to level the two-match series following their innings loss in the opener.

The visitors have had to rethink their combination after several first-choice players were ruled out. Opener Pathum Nissanka is unavailable after leaving the tour to undergo wrist surgery, while fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando have not recovered in time to return. Spin-bowling all-rounder Ramesh Mendis also misses out after falling ill during the tour.

As part of the Sri Lanka playing XI Against WI, uncapped opener Lahiru Udara will make his Test debut at the top of the order, filling the vacancy left by Nissanka. Another debut cap goes to seamer Isitha Wijesundara, who comes into the pace attack after Sri Lanka's fast-bowling resources were further reduced.

The bowling unit also sees the return of left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. The selectors have retained experienced names including captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal and wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis as Sri Lanka attempt to bounce back after a disappointing first Test.

Sri Lanka entered the series with a 17-man squad but have seen their options reduced significantly because of fitness issues. The absence of multiple frontline bowlers and an established opening batter has prompted a fresh-look XI for the decisive encounter.

Sri Lanka playing XI Against WI

Nishan Madushka, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (c), Kusal Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Milan Rathnayake, Isitha Wijesundara, Prabath Jayasuriya and Asitha Fernando.

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