'Injured' Lakmal ruled out, Thirimanne recalled for Colombo Test

Sri Lanka batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, who played his last match for the team in June 2016, has been recalled in the 16-man national squad for the second Test of the three-match series against India, beginning August 3 at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC) Ground in Colombo.

Thirimanne has been called in as a replacement for Asela Gunaratne, who sustained an injury on his left thumb while attempting a catch of Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan off Lahiru Kumara's delivery during the first innings of the Galle Test.

While left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan has also been roped in, seamer Suranga Lakmal has been ruled out of the upcoming match due to a back complaint.

The clash on Thursday will also see the return of captain Dinesh Chandimal, who was ruled out of the opening game because of pneumonia.

Sri Lanka are currently trailing 0-1 in the match series following their embarrassing 304-run defeat in the opening Test.

The squad is as follows:

Dinesh Chandimal (capt.), Angelo Mathews, Upul Tharanga, Dimuth Karunaratne, Niroshan Dickwella, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Lahiru Kumara, Vishwa Fernando, Nuwan Pradeep, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Malinda Pushpakumara, Lakshan Sandakan, Lahiru Thirimanne.