Pathum Nissanka return bolsters Sri Lanka ahead of Test series in Pakistan

Nissanka has been out since having surgery on his wrist in June and will be a huge fillip for the visitors in the batting order as they look to win the two-match series.

The 22-year-old Bandara is included in the squad and is in line to gain his first international cap after wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella was dropped following an underwhelming home series against India.

Bandara has a good record with the bat in first-class cricket, having scored seven centuries in 31 matches at an average of more than 65.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who made his debut earlier this year against India, retains his place, as Sri Lanka start a new era under the Test captaincy of Kusal Mendis.

The first Test of the series against Pakistan will take place in Rawalpindi from 9 November.

Sri Lanka Test squad: Pathum Nissanka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, Sonal Dinusha, Kusal Mendis (captain), Dhananjaya De Silva, Anjala Bandara, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Rathnayaka, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga

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