Uncapped Sonal Dinusha to replace Mathews

Sri Lanka make two changes to 18-man squad for 2nd Test

- By Sa'adi Thawfeeq

24-YEAR-OLD batting all-rounder Sonal Dinusha will replace Angelo Mathews in the second Test for Sri Lanka against Bangladesh starting at the SSC grounds tomorrow.

38-year-old Mathews retired from Test cricket at the end of the first Test at Galle having represented his country in 119 matches.

Dinusha was included in the Test squad for the two-match series against Australia in February along with Lahiru Udara, but both of them failed to make it to the final 11. However, in the first Test against Bangladesh of the ongoing series Udara was given his Test cap and Dinusha is expected to follow him in the second Test.

A left-hand middle-order batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler from Mahanama College, Colombo, Dinusha has been knocking on the door for recognition with some consistent performances in domestic cricket in the Major Clubs 3-day, National Super League and for Sri Lanka 'A'. He averages 40.62 in first-class matches with the bat with 7 centuries and is one wicket shy of reaching 100 first-class wickets.