AGENCIES

Sri Lanka have added left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage and pacer Vishwa Fernando to their squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, starting Wednesday in Colombo.

Wellalage, 21, returns to the Test fold after making his debut in 2022 against Pakistan, where he scored 29 runs but went wicketless. He replaces veteran Angelo Mathews, who announced his retirement from the longest format following the drawn Galle Test.

Vishwa Fernando, a seasoned campaigner with 79 wickets in 27 Tests, steps in for Milan Rathnayake. Rathnayake impressed in Galle with four wickets and a valuable 39-run knock but was ruled out due to a left-side strain sustained during the match.

The changes mark a blend of youth and experience as Sri Lanka aim to clinch the series in Colombo. With the spin-friendly SSC surface on offer, Wellalage’s inclusion could prove crucial, while Fernando’s return bolsters the pace attack in Mathews’ absence.