Niroshan Dickwella Recalled to Sri Lanka Test Squad Amid Controversy

Dhananjaya de Silva, a key figure in the Sri Lanka Test setup, has confirmed the recall of wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella to the national team, stating, “The only thing I have to tell Niroshan Dickwella is to keep well. That’s why he’s in the team.” At 33 years old, Dickwella is set to step in for the injured Kusal Mendis, with no other wicketkeeper-batter selected, as Dinesh Chandimal now occupies the No. 3 batting position and does not keep wicket in Tests.

Dickwella’s inclusion comes amid polarized opinions from fans and analysts, particularly regarding his batting record, which boasts an average of 31 after 96 Test innings. Critics argue that younger players should be given opportunities, given Dickwella’s past performances. However, de Silva emphasized that it was Dickwella’s keeping skills that ultimately influenced the selectors’ decision when considering Mendis’ replacement. “When you play at Galle, the most important thing is that the player with the best glovework plays,” de Silva remarked.

The upcoming Test match in Galle is anticipated to feature a flatter track than usual, making it crucial for the Sri Lankan team to seize wicket-taking opportunities. De Silva noted that the decision to bring back Dickwella was mutually agreed upon by the coach and selectors, underlining the keeper’s important role in the team’s dynamics.

Additionally, de Silva defended the selection of fast bowler Lahiru Kumara, who has faced recurrent injuries throughout his nine-year Test career. Kumara exited the field after just one over during the first Test against West Indies in June due to a hamstring injury. He had also sustained an injury during the India series in 2022. “As a country and as a team, we don’t have a huge pool of players that we can experiment with,” de Silva stated, highlighting the lack of available replacements for Kumara. He is regarded as the fastest bowler currently active in red-ball cricket for Sri Lanka. De Silva expressed hope that Kumara will harness his past setbacks for motivation in the upcoming series.

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