Sri Lanka plan early departure to South Africa

Rex Clementine at Pallekele

Sri Lanka’s national cricket team is considering an early dispatch of some players to South Africa ahead of their upcoming two-match Test series against the Proteas. With an increasingly packed international calendar, the team faces a tight window between the home ODI series against New Zealand and the Test series in South Africa, making pre-tour adjustments essential.

Plans are underway to send Test specialists to South Africa early, allowing them to acclimatize to the unfamiliar playing conditions. Some ODI players may also be pulled from the New Zealand series to join the group departing early for Durban.

Points for Sri Lanka in the World Test Championship are crucial as they are in with a chance to feature in the final.

“By November 12th, our Test players will head to South Africa with two coaches,” explained Sri Lanka’s Batting Coach, Thilina Kandamby, during a media briefing. “We’re also evaluating which players can be released from the New Zealand white-ball series to make this happen.”

However, Sri Lanka’s ambitions to improve their rankings in limited-overs cricket may limit the availability of players for early departure. Facing New Zealand, a team ranked higher in the ODI format, presents an opportunity Sri Lanka is keen to capitalize on.

“New Zealand is ranked above us, and we need to win that series. But South Africa is not an easy place to play either,” Kandamby noted. “It’s a tough decision, and we feel it might be beneficial to send some players to South Africa early.”

The team’s lineup also hinges on player readiness. Opening batsman Pathum Nissanka, sidelined during the first two ODIs, has reportedly recovered, though his selection for the upcoming game remains uncertain. “Pathum is ready to play, but the final decision will be made by the selectors,” Kandamby said.

Sri Lanka’s squad rotation may also see left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka rejoining the side, particularly as he returns from injury. Madushanka may play ahead of left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage, with the team’s strategy emphasizing an additional pace option.

“We’re discussing combinations and think it’s a good opportunity for Dilshan,” added Kandamby. “Consistency is our focus, so we’re careful not to make too many changes.”

Following a comeback win in the T20 series at Dambulla, Sri Lanka clinched the ODI series against New Zealand with a game to spare. Today’s third ODI at Pallekele, therefore, will be a formality, but it still adds to Sri Lanka’s impressive record this year—winning 11 of their 14 bilateral series and dominating at home with nine series victories out of ten.