Dickwella Recalled for Galle Test as Sri Lanka Prioritise Wicketkeeping

Niroshan Dickwella has been recalled to Sri Lanka’s Test squad at the age of 33, more than three years after his last appearance in the format. His previous Test was against New Zealand in March 2023, and captain Dhananjaya de Silva has made clear that the call-up is all about what he does behind the stumps.

Why Dickwella was picked

The way back has opened because Kusal Mendis, the regular wicketkeeper, is unavailable through injury. Mendis had held the gloves at No. 7 for several years, which left Dickwella with little chance of forcing his way back into the side.

De Silva said the message to Dickwella is simple: keep well. In the captain’s view, Galle is a venue where the player with the strongest glovework should be on the field, and Dickwella fits that description. He added that the choice was reached together with the coaching staff and selectors, who all agreed Dickwella was the best option for the match.

Selectors also looked at Sadeera Samarawickrama and the uncapped Anjala Bandara, both of whom had impressed in the 2026 domestic four-day competition. Dickwella’s superior wicketkeeping ultimately settled the debate.

Pace attack and injury concern

Sri Lanka have named four fast bowlers: Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka. Kumara’s inclusion comes despite a recent injury concern, and de Silva acknowledged that the limited depth in Sri Lanka’s pace stocks was a factor in keeping him in the group.