Colombo – The Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) has officially announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh, scheduled to begin on June 17, 2025, in Galle. This series holds historic significance for Sri Lankan cricket, as it will mark the farewell Test match of veteran all-rounder Angelo Mathews, who has been a mainstay in the national side for over 15 years.
The series is not only pivotal for team building and transitions but also signifies the beginning of a fresh cycle in international cricket, with the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship commencing with this bilateral contest.
Dhananjaya de Silva to Lead as Sri Lanka Begins New Era
The Sri Lankan team will be led by seasoned middle-order batsman Dhananjaya de Silva, who takes over the Test captaincy following the retirement of Dimuth Karunaratne earlier this year. Karunaratne had stepped down from leadership duties after Sri Lanka’s home series against Australia in February 2025.
Dhananjaya brings with him both experience and consistency, having been a regular feature of the Test squad since 2016. His calm demeanor and technical strength in the middle order make him a natural leader, especially in a squad that is now transitioning to a younger core.
Angelo Mathews Set to Retire: A Farewell in Galle
The major highlight of the announcement was the confirmation that Angelo Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest modern-day cricketers, will play the final Test of his illustrious career in the series opener at Galle International Stadium.
Mathews’ Test Career at a Glance:
- Debut: 2009 vs Pakistan in Galle
- Matches Played: 108 (prior to the series)
- Runs Scored: Over 7,000
- Batting Average: Approx. 45
- Centuries: 15+
- Wickets: 33+
Mathews made his Test debut at the very same venue where he will play his farewell game, making it a poetic end to a remarkable journey. A composed middle-order batsman, reliable slip fielder, and occasional medium-pacer, Mathews has been instrumental in several of Sri Lanka’s famous Test wins both home and abroad.
His exit follows closely on the heels of Dimuth Karunaratne, who also retired from Test cricket at Galle earlier this year. With both veterans stepping down, Sri Lanka is undergoing a generational shift in leadership and batting responsibility.
New Faces Included in the Squad for Test Debuts
In a significant move aimed at rebuilding the team for the future, the selectors have included three uncapped players in the Test squad:
1. Passindu Suryabandara
A promising top-order batsman with a solid first-class record. Suryabandara has been consistent in domestic cricket, and his inclusion signals a long-term investment in the batting line-up.
2. Pawan Rathnayake
Known for his versatility, Rathnayake is expected to contribute both with the bat and as a backup wicketkeeper. His performance in Sri Lanka A tours earned him this opportunity.
3. Asitha Wijesundara
A young fast bowler with raw pace and aggressive intent, Wijesundara is being viewed as a potential spearhead for Sri Lanka’s pace attack in the coming years.
The selectors’ decision to give these youngsters exposure to international cricket reflects a broader strategy to develop depth and sustainability in the squad as Sri Lanka gears up for a demanding WTC cycle.
Retained Players from Australia Series
Several players who made their debuts in the previous series against Australia have also been retained:
- Lahiru Adara
- Sonal Dhanusha
Both players had impressed selectors with their temperament and adaptability in challenging conditions. Their continued inclusion is a testament to the faith Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) is placing in its next-generation talent.
Injury Concerns: Lahiru Kumara Ruled Out of First Test
Veteran fast bowler Lahiru Kumara is part of the 18-member squad but will miss the first Test due to injury. Kumara, known for his raw pace and bounce, has often been plagued by fitness issues throughout his career. His absence is a setback for Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, especially against a technically solid Bangladesh batting line-up.
Sri Lanka’s Full Squad for Bangladesh Test Series
- Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Oshada Fernando
- Lahiru Adara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Angelo Mathews
- Kusal Mendis
- Kamindu Mendis
- Passindu Suryabandara
- Sonal Dhanusha
- Pawan Rathnayake
- Prabath Jayasuriya
- Tharindu Rathnayake
- Akila Dananjaya
- Malan Rathnayake
- Asitha Fernando
- Kasun Rajitha
- Asitha Wijesundara
Bangladesh Series Kicks Off World Test Championship 2025–27
This Test series against Bangladesh also serves as the opening chapter of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both nations. The new cycle includes nine teams playing a total of 27 series (home and away), with the top two teams qualifying for the final in 2027.
Sri Lanka had a mixed performance in the previous WTC cycle, finishing mid-table. With a fresh leadership group and injection of young talent, Sri Lanka will aim to make a stronger impression this time around.
Test Series Schedule
The two-match Test series will take place at traditional venues known for hosting iconic Sri Lankan cricket matches.
1st Test
📅 Date: June 17, 2025
📍 Venue: Galle International Stadium
2nd Test
📅 Date: June 25, 2025
📍 Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
These two venues offer contrasting conditions – Galle typically assists spin bowlers with its dry pitch, while Colombo tends to favor batting-friendly surfaces with some help for seamers early on.
Bangladesh Tour Context and Rivalry
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have developed a strong cricketing rivalry over the past two decades. Although Sri Lanka traditionally held the upper hand, Bangladesh’s recent Test performances have improved significantly, making the upcoming matches highly competitive.
In recent years, Bangladesh has produced match-winning players such as Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and have even challenged top sides in their home conditions.
Conclusion: A Test Series of Transition, Farewell, and New Beginnings
The forthcoming Test series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh is not just another bilateral contest—it’s a symbol of transformation, legacy, and opportunity. With Angelo Mathews set to retire, the team will look to honor him with a memorable performance in Galle. Meanwhile, the inclusion of fresh talent marks the beginning of a rebuilding phase for Sri Lanka as they look ahead to the next World Test Championship.
For cricket fans, this series offers an exciting blend of emotion, nostalgia, and anticipation. All eyes will be on Galle on June 17 when one of Sri Lanka’s modern greats takes the field for one last time in whites.
