Sri Lanka Recall Embuldeniya, Peiris for South Africa Tests

Sri Lanka's Test squad for their upcoming tour of South Africa has undergone a significant shake-up, with left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya and offspinner Nishan Peiris earning recalls. The duo replaces Ramesh Mendis, who misses out despite claiming six wickets in his only Test appearance this year.

Embuldeniya, who last played a Test in 2020, and Peiris, who made his debut against New Zealand in September, will bolster Sri Lanka's spin attack alongside Prabath Jayasuriya. The move reflects the team's expectation of spin-friendly conditions in Durban and Gqeberha, where the matches will be played.

The batting and seam-bowling departments remain largely unchanged. Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, and allrounder Milan Rathnayake make up the fast-bowling contingent. Top-order batter Oshada Fernando returns to the squad, while Nishan Madushka, who has impressed in ODIs, misses out.

Embuldeniya and Oshada's selection is partly based on their strong performances in South Africa in 2019. Embuldeniya took six wickets at an average of 23.83, while Oshada scored a crucial 75 not out in the fourth innings to help Sri Lanka secure a victory.

Despite their past performances, neither player has been particularly impressive in domestic cricket recently. However, Embuldeniya had a decent outing in the four-day National Super League.

Several Test specialists, including Kusal Mendis, Asitha, Kamindu Mendis, and Pathum Nissanka, have already arrived in Durban for a pre-series training camp. They have been withdrawn from the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand to allow them extra time to prepare for the Tests.

The first Test is scheduled to begin on November 27 in Kingsmead, Durban. Both Sri Lanka and South Africa have a chance to finish in the top two of the World Test Championship table.

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