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Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out of Pakistan Tests as Lahiru Udara Steps In
Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out of Pakistan Tests as Lahiru Udara Steps In
Sri Lanka have been hit with a major blow before their Pakistan tour. Opener Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the two-match Test series with a left hamstring injury, and Lahiru Udara has been called up as his replacement for the World Test Championship fixtures starting November 9.
Nissanka Injury Forces Late Change
Nissanka sustained the injury during Sri Lanka’s tour of England in September. It has already kept him out of the T20I series against Pakistan and the ongoing ODI tri-series.
The right-handed batter was expected to recover in time for the tri-series, but he could not return to international cricket. The selection committee had named him in the 15-member Test squad subject to medical clearance, and that clearance has not come.
“Pathum Nissanka will miss the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, as he is yet to recover from his left hamstring injury. The Cricket Selection Committee has named Lahiru Udara as his replacement,” Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed in an official statement.
Nissanka’s Test Record
Nissanka has played 19 Tests and scored 1,310 runs in 33 innings at an average of 42.26. That includes four centuries, seven half-centuries and a highest score of 187.
His last Test came against the West Indies on June 25, 2026, at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. He managed 2 and 3 as Sri Lanka lost the match.
Lahiru Udara Gets Another Red-Ball Chance
Udara is already in Pakistan with Sri Lanka’s ODI squad, so he will join the Test group from there. He has played five Tests and seven T20Is, including the recent T20I series against Pakistan. He also featured in Sri Lanka’s Test assignments against the West Indies and India.
His best Test knock so far is 188 against the West Indies in Antigua in July 2026. That innings showed he can build a big score at the top of the order.
Nissanka vs Udara: Test Numbers
| Player | Tests | Runs | Average | Hundreds | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pathum Nissanka | 19 | 1,310 | 42.26 | 4 | 187 |
| Lahiru Udara | 5 | 313 | 39.13 | 1 | 188 |
Udara’s wider record shows 3,017 runs in 102 matches at an average of 32.09, with three centuries and 21 half-centuries. He is yet to make his ODI debut, and this series gives him another chance to establish himself in Sri Lanka’s red-ball setup.
Sri Lanka’s Pakistan Tour Schedule and WTC Stakes
Sri Lanka begin their preparations with a three-day warm-up match at Islamabad Club from November 4 to 6. The Test series then moves quickly into World Test Championship territory.
| Fixture | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Warm-up match | Islamabad Club | November 4-6 |
| First Test | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | November 9-13 |
| Second Test | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | November 17-21 |
Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in his first Test series as captain. Sri Lanka sit seventh in the WTC standings, while Pakistan are ninth. Both sides have a chance to climb the table.
Experience in the Squad
The touring group includes experienced players such as Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis. Their experience could be vital with Nissanka missing from the top of the order.
Updated Sri Lanka Test Squad
Kusal Mendis (c), Anjala Bandara, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha, Asitha Fernando, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka, Eshan Malinga, Kamindu Mendis, Lahiru Udara, Keshara Nuwantha, Milan Rathnayaka and Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
What It Means for Sri Lanka
Losing a top-order batter with a 42.26 Test average is a setback before a high-pressure series. Udara’s 188 in Antigua suggests he can handle the step up.
Opening against a Pakistan attack on home soil will test him. If he succeeds, it could help Sri Lanka’s WTC push, and it gives him a strong case to keep the opening spot.
