Sri Lanka call up Kamil Mishara and Sahan Arachchige for must-win Colombo Test

Sri Lanka have added uncapped batter Kamil Mishara and all-rounder Sahan Arachchige to their squad for the must-win second and final Test in Colombo on 21 August 2026, following a heavy defeat to India in Galle. The changes were announced after Sri Lanka’s batting faltered in the opening Test.

India secured a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after a dominant 165-run victory in Galle. Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja shared 14 wickets in that match, and Sri Lanka’s batting failed to withstand the visitors’ spin attack across both innings.

Sahan Arachchige replaces Ramesh Mendis and brings batting depth alongside off-spin options. The 30-year-old scored 240 runs across 10 innings in the Lanka Premier League and made 127 off 207 balls while captaining Sri Lanka A against India A last month. His red-ball record stands at 4,365 runs at an average of 37.95 in 85 first-class matches, and his right-arm off-spin has yielded 63 wickets.

Kamil Mishara has been included after strong recent form with the bat. He scored 411 runs in 10 matches during the Lanka Premier League and hit 145 off 72 balls for Nondescripts Cricket Club in the Major League T20. His most recent first-class innings produced 174 off 168 balls against New Zealand A in April, and he is expected to open alongside Lahiru Udara, replacing Nishan Madushka.

The selectors also factored squad availability and injuries into their changes. Dinesh Chandimal suffered a neck injury in the first Test and is absent, while Pasindu Sooriyabandara remains in the squad despite making a first-ball duck on Test debut after coming in as a concussion substitute in Galle. Kusal Mendis has been sidelined with a hamstring injury and Pathum Nissanka is recovering from wrist surgery.

Keshara Nuwantha impressed on debut and is expected to retain his place alongside Prabath Jayasuriya. The full squad named comprises Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis (Vice Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva (Captain), Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.

The two changes have been made as Sri Lanka seek to level the series in the must-win second and final Test in Colombo.