Dhananjaya named Sri Lanka’s new Test captain

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced Dhananjaya de Silva as the new captain of the Sri Lanka Test Cricket Team, replacing the veteran Dimuth Karunaratne.

The decision comes after Sri Lanka’s disappointing performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where they finished ninth with just two wins in nine matches.

Upul Tharanga, the newly-appointed chairman of selectors, addressed the media, highlighting the immediate concerns of fixing top-order inconsistencies and poor fielding that marred Sri Lanka’s recent World Cup campaign.

Tharanga emphasized the need for three separate captains, with Kusal Mendis to lead in ODIs and Wanindu Hasaranga in T20Is.

Tharanga acknowledged the shortcomings in top-order batting and fielding, expressing the committee’s determination to address the issues.

“All these players are not short of talent, but there is an obvious shortcoming where consistency is concerned, and we have already spoken with the coaches concerned regarding sorting out this problem,” stated Tharanga.

Dhananjaya de Silva takes over the Test captaincy from Dimuth Karunaratne, who led Sri Lanka in 30 Tests, achieving 12 victories, 12 losses, and six draws. Karunaratne notably led Sri Lanka to a historic series win in South Africa in 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)