Sri Lanka’s decision to leave out opening batter Lahiru Udara from the Test squad has raised questions over the team’s selection strategy, particularly with established opener Pathum Nissanka facing fitness concerns.
Udara, who scored a career-best 188 against the West Indies just two Test appearances ago, has been overlooked despite Sri Lanka facing a shortage of specialist opening batters.
The opening batter has represented Sri Lanka in five Tests, scoring 313 runs at an average of 34.77, including one century.
His last two Test appearances came against India, where he scored 43 runs across two innings in Galle before managing just four runs in Colombo.
However, his exclusion has attracted attention because Sri Lanka have not named an obvious specialist replacement to partner Nissanka at the top of the order.
With Nissanka’s availability uncertain due to fitness concerns, Sri Lanka could be forced to make significant changes to their batting combination.
One possibility is for Pasindu Sooriyabandara to open the innings. If Nissanka is ruled out, Kusal Mendis could also be considered for an opening role, potentially allowing newcomer Anjala Bandara to take over wicketkeeping duties.
These remain possible combinations rather than confirmed selection decisions.
Udara’s omission is particularly notable as he scored a career-best 188 against the West Indies just four batting innings before his most recent Test appearance.
With uncertainty surrounding Nissanka’s fitness and no clearly established opening partnership, the selectors’ decision leaves questions about Sri Lanka’s plans for the top order ahead of the upcoming Test assignment.
The final opening combination is yet to be confirmed. (Newswire)
The post Sri Lanka drop Lahiru Udara despite recent 188; only specialist opener Pathum Nissanka doubtful appeared first on Newswire.