Sadeera Samarawickrama in line for Test return after six-year wait against Ireland

OLIVER LAWRIE: Wicketkeeper Samarawickrama last played Test cricket in Delhi against India in 2017 but returns as part of a much-changed squad to face Ireland in Galle

Wicketkeeper Sadeera Samarawickrama has been named in Sri Lanka's squad for their upcoming Test against Ireland starting on April 16 in Galle, bringing to an end a six-year absence.

Samarawickrama, a dashing wicketkeeper-batter who played the last of his four Tests in 2017, will hope to take the gloves in Sri Lanka's upcoming Test against Ireland.

Niroshan Dickwella has been dropped, leaving a straight fight between Samarawickrama and Nishan Madushka to decide who will keep wicket in Galle.

Uncapped leg-spinner Dushan Hemantha has earned a maiden call-up to the squad, fortifying Sri Lanka's already strong roster of spinners which includes Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and Lasith Embuldeniya.

Sri Lanka squad for first Test vs Ireland
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Nishan Madushka (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dushan Hemantha, Lasith Embuldeniya, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Milan Rathnayake

This squad sees a change of fortunes for Oshada Fernando, who has been dropped after averaging just 13 in the opening two Tests of Sri Lanka's recent tour of New Zealand.

Elsewhere, it is expected that Kasun Rajitha and Lahiru Kumara will be rested for the Test, as Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando and the uncapped Milan Rathnayake make up the pace bowling options for Chris Silverwood's men.

Sadeera Samarawickrama hasn't played Test cricket for six years (Giuseppe Cacace/AFP via Getty Images)

Pathum Nissanka, despite averaging 38.35 across nine Tests, is not in the squad.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne, alongside veterans Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, will hope these additions are enough to overcome an Ireland team looking to bounce back after their recent seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh.

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