Chandimal returns, Thirimanne rejoins squad after a year

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has been included in the 16-man squad for the second Test against India which begins on Thursday after recovering from illness.

Chandimal, 27, missed the first Test due to pneumonia, as India won by 304 runs at Galle, but will return as Sri Lanka look to level the series at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo.

He will be joined by batsman Lahiru Thirimanne, who last played a Test in June 2016. Thirimanne will replace the injured Asela Gunaratne, who has been ruled out of the series with a fractured thumb, while seamer Suranga Lakmal has been excluded due to back problems, according to media reports.

Left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan, who was dropped for the first match, is set to return. Veteran Rangana Herath, who suffered a finger injury and failed to bat in the final innings of the first test, has been retained..