Sri Lanka have lost opener Pathum Nissanka for the two-match Test series in Pakistan because of a left hamstring injury. Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement for the World Test Championship fixtures starting November 9. The numbers show how the change affects Sri Lanka's top-order experience and output.
Pathum Nissanka Ruled Out of the Pakistan Test Series
Sri Lanka Cricket confirmed that Nissanka has not recovered from a left hamstring injury. The Cricket Selection Committee named Udara as his replacement. Udara is already in Pakistan with the ODI squad and will join the Test group.
Injury Timeline
Nissanka sustained the injury during Sri Lanka's tour of England in September. It forced him to miss the T20I series against Pakistan and the ongoing ODI tri-series. He was expected to recover in time for the tri-series but could not return.
The selectors had included him in the 15-member Test squad, subject to medical clearance. His continued recovery has now ruled him out of both Tests.
| Event | Detail |
|---|
| Injury sustained | Tour of England, September |
| Series missed | T20Is against Pakistan, ODI tri-series |
| Last Test | June 25, 2026, against West Indies in Antigua |
| Last Test scores | 2 and 3 in a Sri Lanka loss |
Nissanka vs Udara: Test Numbers Compared
Nissanka brings a larger sample and a higher average. Udara has played only five Tests, so his figures carry more variance. The table sets out the Test records side by side.
| Metric | Pathum Nissanka | Lahiru Udara |
|---|
| Tests | 19 | 5 |
| Runs | 1,310 | 313 |
| Average | 42.26 | 39.13 |
| Hundreds | 4 | 1 |
| Fifties | 7 | 0 |
| Highest score | 187 | 188 |
Nissanka's Consistency
Nissanka has scored 1,310 runs in 33 innings. His four centuries and seven half-centuries make 11 scores of 50 or more, roughly one every three innings (33.3%).
His average of 42.26 is 3.13 points higher than Udara's 39.13. His recent Test form was modest, with 2 and 3 in his last match.
Udara's Profile
Udara has scored 313 runs in five Tests, including a highest score of 188 against the West Indies in Antigua in July 2026. That one innings accounts for about 60.1% of his Test runs. His other innings total 125 runs, and he has no half-centuries.
He has also played seven T20Is, including the recent series against Pakistan. He has not made his ODI debut. His reported career aggregate is 3,017 runs in 102 matches at 32.09, with three centuries and 21 half-centuries.
Series Schedule and WTC Context
Sri Lanka begin with a three-day warm-up at Islamabad Club before the two Tests. Both Tests count towards the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
| 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 |
Sri Lanka are seventh in the WTC standings and Pakistan are ninth. A two-place gap means the series could shift positions for both teams. Kusal Mendis will lead Sri Lanka in his first Test series as captain.
Updated Sri Lanka Test Squad
The squad includes experienced players Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva and Kamindu Mendis. The full 15-member group is listed below.
| Role | Players |
|---|
| Captain | Kusal Mendis |
| Squad | 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 |
Analytical Takeaway
Sri Lanka lose a batter with 1,310 Test runs and replace him with one who has 313. The experience gap is 14 Tests. Udara's 188 in Antigua shows he can produce large scores, but a sample of five Tests is too small for firm conclusions.
The Rawalpindi and Lahiore Tests will show whether the opening partnership holds up under WTC pressure.