Pathum Nissanka is set to miss the Test segment of Sri Lanka’s tour of Pakistan due to a left hamstring injury, having already been sidelined for the T20Is and ODIs. Lahiru Udara has been named as his replacement in the squad. Udara, who has experience from five Tests and seven T20Is for Sri Lanka, now has an opportunity to make his mark.
Sri Lanka’s management initially included Nissanka in both the ODI and Test squads, hopeful of his recovery. However, the focus has now shifted to ensuring his full fitness ahead of Sri Lanka’s tour of India in December.
Nissanka’s absence provides a welcome return for Udara, who might have been disappointed after his initial omission. The 32-year-old, with a strong domestic record of 8771 first-class runs at an average of 42.57, began his international career later than most but made an immediate impact with a maiden Test century in the West Indies earlier this year. Despite that achievement, a dip in form during the India series led to his removal from the Test side.
It’s worth noting that Nissanka has faced a series of injuries, which kept him out of the Tests against India after wrist surgery following the first Test against the West Indies. Prior to that, he had enjoyed a prolific 2025, scoring back-to-back centuries against Bangladesh. Since making his debut in 2021, Nissanka has established himself in Sri Lanka’s line-up across all formats, tallying 1310 runs in 19 Tests at an average of 42.25, with four centuries and seven fifties to his name.
