Sri Lanka Cricket have made a significant change to their Test leadership ahead of the team’s upcoming international assignments. Dhananjaya de Silva has stepped down as Test captain with immediate effect, bringing an end to his stint in charge of the longest format.
The decision also opens the door for a new leader to take charge of the Test side. The appointment comes at an important stage for Sri Lanka, with a two-match Test series against Pakistan scheduled to begin in November.
Dhananjaya de Silva steps down from Test captaincy
Dhananjaya de Silva informed Sri Lanka Cricket of his decision to step down from the Test captaincy on Thursday. He will, however, remain available for selection as a player and continue to contribute to the national side. The experienced all-rounder said the decision was taken with the future of Sri Lankan cricket in mind.
He believes the leadership role should now move towards the next generation while he continues to serve the team in his playing capacity. De Silva had taken on the Test captaincy during an important period for Sri Lanka and was also part of the leadership group across formats. His departure from the role now means Sri Lanka will begin a new chapter in Test cricket.
Also READ: Dhananjaya de Silva resigns as Sri Lanka Test skipper; here’s his captaincy record
New captain takes charge across all three formats
Sri Lanka Cricket have appointed Kusal Mendis as the new Test captain with immediate effect. Mendis was already leading the side in ODIs and T20Is, meaning the appointment now makes him Sri Lanka’s all-format captain. The decision gives Mendis responsibility for the team across all three formats and places him at the centre of Sri Lanka’s next phase of international cricket.
He will now have to balance the demands of leading the side in Tests while continuing his responsibilities in white-ball cricket. Mendis’ first Test assignment in the new role is expected to come against Pakistan. Sri Lanka are scheduled to play two Tests against Pakistan, with the series set to begin on November 9.
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