Nissanka ruled out of Pakistan Tests, Lahiru Udara named replacement
Synopsis
Pathum Nissanka's hamstring injury has handed Lahiru Udara an unexpected Test debut opportunity in Pakistan. Udara — who was overlooked for the original squad despite scoring 188 against the West Indies — was already in Pakistan with the ODI squad, making the switch seamless. With Sri Lanka seventh and Pakistan ninth in the WTC standings, the two-Test series starting 9 November carries real points implications for both sides.
Key Takeaways
Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of Sri Lanka's two-match Test series against Pakistan due to a left hamstring injury .
Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement by the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee.
Udara was already in Pakistan with Sri Lanka's ODI squad, facilitating a smooth transition.
Udara scored 188 against the West Indies in June but was not part of the original Test squad.
The series, part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, begins on 9 November in Rawalpindi , followed by Lahore .
Sri Lanka are currently seventh in the WTC standings; Pakistan are ninth .
Sri Lanka batter Pathum Nissanka has been ruled out of the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan due to a persistent left hamstring injury, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement in the squad.
SLC Confirms the Change
SLC stated in an official release: '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. Udara is already in Pakistan as part of Sri Lanka's ODI squad.'
Nissanka had originally been included in Sri Lanka's 15-member Test squad on a conditional basis, subject to recovering full fitness before the opening Test. His continued injury setback has now confirmed his absence from the tour entirely.
Udara's Opportunity After Impressive Form
Udara's inclusion comes despite the fact that he was not part of the original squad announcement. His credentials, however, are hard to overlook — the batter scored an impressive 188 against the West Indies in June, staking a strong claim for selection. His presence in Pakistan with the ODI squad has made the logistical transition straightforward following Nissanka's withdrawal.
Series Details and Context
The two-Test series, forming part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, is scheduled to begin on 9 November. The matches will be played at Rawalpindi and Lahore. Kusal Mendis, appointed captain earlier this month, will lead the visiting side.
The original squad featured seasoned campaigners including Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Kamindu Mendis, with Dilshan Madushanka earning a recall. Fresh call-ups were handed to Eshan Malinga and Anjala Bandara.
WTC Standings at Stake
Sri Lanka currently sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan occupy ninth place. Both teams have a meaningful opportunity to improve their standing in the competition through this series.
Sri Lanka are also presently engaged in an ODI tri-series alongside Pakistan and England. They lost their opening game against hosts Pakistan but bounced back with a thrilling win over England. The tri-series concludes on 31 October, just over a week before the first Test gets underway.
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, Pasindu Sooriyabandara.
With Nissanka's hamstring yet to fully heal, all eyes will be on whether Udara can convert this unexpected opportunity into a lasting Test berth.
Point of View
Yet he was initially passed over, raising questions about the selection committee's batting-depth planning. With Sri Lanka sitting seventh in the standings and Pakistan ninth, neither side can afford to treat this series as a preparatory exercise. The real test is whether Sri Lanka's makeshift top order can perform on subcontinental pitches that will likely be prepared to suit Pakistan's spin-friendly conditions.
NationPress
27 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Pathum Nissanka been ruled out of the Pakistan Tests?
Nissanka has been ruled out due to a left hamstring injury from which he has not yet fully recovered. He was originally named in Sri Lanka's 15-member squad on a conditional fitness basis, but his continued recovery has confirmed his absence from the entire tour.
Who is Lahiru Udara and why was he chosen as replacement?
Lahiru Udara is a Sri Lanka batter who scored 188 against the West Indies in June 2026 and was already part of Sri Lanka's ODI squad in Pakistan. His presence in the country made him the practical and logical choice to replace Nissanka in the Test squad.
When and where does the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test series begin?
The two-match Test series begins on 9 November 2026. The matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore as part of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
What are the current ICC World Test Championship standings for Sri Lanka and Pakistan?
Sri Lanka are currently placed seventh in the ICC World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan occupy ninth place. The series offers both teams an opportunity to move up the standings.
Who will captain Sri Lanka in the Test series against Pakistan?
Kusal Mendis will captain Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series, having been appointed to the role earlier in October 2026.
