Jehan Mubarak makes a comeback to the Test squad after 8 years

Mubarak in action against England back in 2006

Sri Lankan opener Jehan Mubarak has made a comeback to the Test side after 8 long years. Sri Lanka are scheduled to play Pakistan at home and Mubarak’s inclusion was the major talking point after the 16-member squad was chosen.

Offspinner Tharindu Kaushal, uncapped fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera and left-handed batsman Kusal Perera were the other notable additions to the squad. Shaminda Eranga won’t play a part in the series because of his injury and Suranga Lakmal could also miss out as his groin complaint is being monitored.

Mubarak, whose last Test was in 2007 has been scoring more than 1000 runs over the last two seasons in the domestic circuit and hence his inclusion isn’t surprising at all. The 34-year-old also impressed Jonty Rhodes during the South African’s recent fielding stint. Kusal Perera’s inclusion also comes on the back off some good performances against Pakistan ‘A’ where he smashed four centuries and a few fifties recently.

The selection committee has overlooked the likes of Prasanna Jayawardene and Upul Tharanga for the series. The team will be playing three Test matches, followed by five ODIs and two T20s.

Test squad: Angelo Mathews (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-captain), Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kithruwan Vithanage, Jehan Mubarak, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Tharindu Kaushal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal (subject to fitness).