Sri Lanka call up Mishara, Arachchige for must-win second Test against India

Sri Lanka have called up batter Kamil Mishara and off-spin all-rounder Sahan Arachchige for the second and final Test against India as the hosts look to recover from a heavy defeat in the series opener. The match begins in Colombo on August 23, with India holding a 1-0 advantage after completing a 165-run victory in Galle.

The two additions come at a difficult time for Sri Lanka, whose preparations for the series decider have been disrupted by injuries and the absence of key batters. Head coach Gary Kirsten has confirmed that Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal and Pathum Nissanka will miss the second Test, forcing the selectors to reshape the batting group for a match Sri Lanka must win to draw the two-Test series.

Fresh faces for Colombo

Mishara's inclusion gives Sri Lanka another top-order option as they attempt to compensate for the loss of experienced players. The left-handed batter has been rewarded for strong performances on the domestic circuit and will be in contention for a place in the XI. Although Mishara has represented Sri Lanka in limited-overs cricket, he is yet to make his Test debut.

Arachchige, meanwhile, provides the selectors with an all-round option. The left-handed batter also bowls off-spin and has been brought into the squad in place of Ramesh Mendis. He strengthened his case for selection with his performances against India A last month, when he led Sri Lanka A and finished as his team's leading run-scorer in the series. The 30-year-old has previously represented Sri Lanka in ODIs and T20Is but, like Mishara, is uncapped in Test cricket.

Injuries force Sri Lanka's hand

Sri Lanka's selection changes have been shaped significantly by the unavailability of several established batters. The absence of Mendis, Chandimal and Nissanka leaves the hosts without considerable experience at the top and in the middle order, increasing the responsibility on captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis in Colombo.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara, who was brought into the set-up following Chandimal's injury, retains his place in the squad. Sri Lanka have named a 14-member group for the Test, with Niroshan Dickwella also included among the batting options. The bowling department features Prabath Jayasuriya alongside Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando.

India carry 1-0 advantage

Sri Lanka enter the Colombo Test under pressure after being comprehensively beaten in Galle. India's 165-run victory gave the visitors an unassailable position in the short series and left the hosts needing a win in the second Test to avoid a series defeat. The contest also carries significance in the ICC World Test Championship, adding to the importance of Sri Lanka finding an immediate response after their opening setback.

The changes therefore represent more than routine rotation. Sri Lanka must reconstruct a depleted batting order while finding a combination capable of challenging an Indian side carrying momentum into Colombo. Mishara and Arachchige now have an opportunity to force their way into the XI and make an immediate impact in a match that will determine whether the hosts can salvage the series.

Sri Lanka squad: Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Lahiru Udara, Kamil Mishara, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Kamindu Mendis, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Niroshan Dickwella, Keshara Nuwantha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Milan Ratnayake, Lahiru Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Vishwa Fernando.