Sri Lanka Announce Playing XI for Second Test Against West Indies; Isitha Wijesundara Set for Debut
Sri Lanka have named their Playing XI for the second Test of the ongoing series against the West Indies, with uncapped fast bowler Isitha Wijesundara set to make his Test debut. The match will be played from 3–7 July 2026 in Antigua.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva will lead a balanced side featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent as Sri Lanka look to produce a strong performance in the second Test.
The Sri Lanka Playing XI is as follows:
- Nishan Madushka
- Lahiru Udara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dhananjaya de Silva (Captain)
- Kusal Mendis
- Sonal Dinusha
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Milan Rathnayake
- Isitha Wijesundara (Test Debut)
- Asitha Fernando
A major highlight of the squad announcement is the inclusion of Isitha Wijesundara, who will earn his maiden Test cap after impressing with his performances and consistent progress. His selection marks another important milestone in Sri Lanka Cricket’s continued investment in developing young talent for the longest format of the game.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be without several key players due to injury and illness.
Fast bowler Lahiru Kumara remains unavailable as he continues his rehabilitation after sustaining a Grade 1 strain to his right hamstring.
Left-arm seamer Vishwa Fernando also misses out after experiencing a recurrence of right-sided lower back, trunk, and hip pain while bowling during the warm-up match. Although he has shown steady improvement over the past week, the team medical staff have deemed that he has not yet fully recovered for selection.
Off-spinner Ramesh Mendis is continuing his recovery after contracting a bacterial infection during the tour.
Opening batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out after suffering persistent wrist pain following the first Test. Upon medical assessment, he was advised to undergo surgery and departed for the United Kingdom on 30 June 2026 to undergo the procedure.
Despite these setbacks, Sri Lanka will be aiming to put together a strong all-round performance as they take on the West Indies in the second Test, with the visitors hoping to make the most of the opportunities presented by a refreshed squad.
The five-day encounter is scheduled to begin on 3 July 2026 in Antigua, where Sri Lanka will look to deliver a comeback in the ongoing Test series against the West Indies.
