Pathum Nissanka ruled out of Pakistan Test series

Daily Mirror, ThePapare, Newswire, Ada Derana and Hiru News report that Sri Lanka opener Pathum Nissanka will not take part in the two-Test series in Pakistan as he recovers from an injury to his left hamstring. ThePapare says Sri Lanka Cricket announced on the 26th that he had not recovered fully.

ThePapare reports that selectors have brought in Lahiru Udara, an opening batter and wicketkeeper, to take Nissanka’s place in the Test squad. Udara was already in Pakistan as part of Sri Lanka’s one-day team, according to ThePapare.

ThePapare reports that Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka’s 15-member squad, and that this will be his first Test series as captain. ThePapare and Newswire say the first match is scheduled for 9 November in Rawalpindi.

ThePapare reports that Pakistan named a 14-player squad under Babar Azam. It says Shan Masood, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali were left out, and that the Pakistan Cricket Board did not give a reason for Masood’s omission. ThePapare also reports that Masood was seeking to regain fitness after a minor injury and had not met expectations during the recent England tour.

ThePapare reports that Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were also left out after being recalled during the England tour and questioned by Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency. The outlet says Abdullah Shafique was omitted despite scoring 185 in a recent first-class match, while Salman Agha and Ali Usman returned to the squad. ThePapare further notes that Sajid and Noman were absent as Pakistan began preparing spin-friendly pitches.