Pradeep returns for Sri Lanka

nuwanpradeep

The injury was enough to prevent the pace bowler from participating in the home series against South Africa earlier this month, which the Proteas won 1-0.

Pradeep joins a pace attack that includes Shaminda Eranga, Suranga Lakmal, Dhammika Prasad and Chanaka Welegedara.

However, both Eranga and Lakmal are set to undergo fitness tests ahead of the first Test - which starts in Galle on August 6.

Ajantha Mendis has been dropped from the 15-man party, so left-armer Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera - who took eight wickets in the second Test with South Africa - provide the frontline spin options.

Niroshan Dickwella is retained as wicketkeeper after impressing on his debut in the second Test against the Proteas, including a knock of 72 in the first innings, but Dinesh Chandimal has been left out of the squad.

Legendary batsman Mahela Jayawardene will play in his final series before retiring from the longest format of the game.

After the first Test in Galle, the two sides will meet again in Colombo in the second Test commencing on August 14.

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