Sri Lanka has ruled out star batter Pathum Nissanka from the upcoming ICC World Test Championship series against Pakistan as he continues his recovery from injury, and Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement.
The two-Test series begins in Rawalpindi on 9 November. Nissanka was included in Sri Lanka’s original Test squad subject to fitness clearance, but he has not recovered in time for the series.
Injury Also Sidelined Nissanka From White-Ball Action
The injury also forced Nissanka to miss Sri Lanka’s recent white-ball assignments in Pakistan. He sat out the T20I series and the ODI tri-series involving England and the hosts. Sri Lanka recently completed the second-highest run chase in ODI history against England during that tri-series.
Udara Steps In
Udara will join the Test squad ahead of the series. He is already part of Sri Lanka’s ODI squad for the tri-series. He has previously represented Sri Lanka in Test and T20I cricket, and he scored a career-best 188 against the West Indies earlier in 2026 during the World Test Championship series.
Series Schedule and Squad
Sri Lanka, led by Kusal Mendis, will open its two-match Test series against Pakistan on 9 November at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The second Test is scheduled for Lahore from 17 November.
Sri Lanka’s Test squad: Kusal Mendis (c), Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Lahiru Udara.
Series schedule:
First Test: 9-13 November, Rawalpindi
Second Test: 17-21 November, Lahore