Sri Lanka wins toss, bats in first Test against Ireland

Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first against Ireland in the first Test match played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (April 16).

History in making as Ireland takes on Sri Lanka for the first time in the longest format of the game in a two-match Test series between the two nations.

The Dimuth Karunaratne-led Sri Lanka would be stepping into the series with key players like Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis.

 Sadeera Samarawickrama will be joining the team for the first time since 2017.

 The bowling department consists of Lasith Embuldeniya, Ramesh Mendis, and Prabath Jayasuriya with the addition of uncapped Dushan Hemantha while Vishwa Fernando and Asitha Fernando form the pace bowling duo for the home side with Lahiru Kumara and Kasun being rested.

 The Lankan side would be looking to get back onto the winning ways after just missing out on World Test Championship final. 

On the other hand, Ireland will be at full strength with Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector in the batting department.

Ireland (Playing XI) - Murray Commins, James McCollum, Andy Balbirnie (C), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Peter Moor, Lorcan Tucker (WK), George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Benjamin White.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (WK), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando.

--Agencies