Angelo Mathews returns for Sri Lanka as hosts name squad

Former captain Dinesh Chandimal and seamers Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara are also fit, having suffered injuries against South Africa

Joe Root hopeful England preparation can arrest poor first Test record

Angelo Mathews has recovered from a hamstring injury to be named in Sri Lanka’s squad for their two-Test series against England.

The return of the experienced batsman is a major boost for the hosts, whose injury list ballooned during their tour of South Africa.

Former captain Dinesh Chandimal and seamers Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara are also fit, having suffered injuries against the Proteas. Neither Lakmal nor Kumara are certainties to play, though, with both short on match fitness.

However, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kasun Rajitha have not recovered from their own fitness problems picked up during Sri Lanka’s two-nil defeat at the turn of the year. De Silva tore a ligament in his thigh on Boxing Day, before Rajitha hurt his groin the following day, as Sri Lanka’s positive start to the series was ripped apart.

Form favours England but are tourists exposed at the top?

Seamer Nuwan Pradeep, allrounder Ramesh Mendis, left-arm wrist-spinner Lakshan Sandakan and batsman Roshen Silva also return to the squad; none of the quartet were involved in South Africa.

Sandakan and Mendis are two of several spin options available to home captain Dimuth Karunaratne, along with Dilruwan Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga and Lasith Embuldeniya.

Squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Oshada Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Embuldeniya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dilruwan Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Asitha Fernando, Roshen Silva, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Ramesh Mendis