1st Test, India vs Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne says Kusal Mendis still not fit, Niroshan Dickwella back

Kusal Mendis' hamstring injury continues to keep him out but wicketkeeper-batter Niroshan Dickwella is back after serving a one-year ban for a bio-bubble breach, Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne said on Thursday unveiling his line-up for the opening Test against India here. Both Dickwella and Mendis were banned for a year for breaching bio-bubble protocols during Sri Lanka's tour of England last year. Mendis' inclusion for this tour was subject to fitness following a hamstring injury during the fifth T20I against Australia. He did not play in the T20Is against India because of it. "Dickwella will be the wicketkeeper, (pacer) Dushmantha Chameera will be rested and will be available for the pink ball Test and Mendis has been ruled out," he said on the eve of the first Test, which would be India star Virat Kohli's 100th five-day match.

Read AlsoMilestone Men: Mohali Test against Sri Lanka is Virat Kohli's 100th and Rohit Sharma's first as Test captain

Rohit Sharma may have caught up with Virat Kohli in terms of significance but the two have swapped roles as Rohit prepares to lead India for the first time in Tests in Kohli’s 100th Test at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, beginning Friday.

It would be a milestone for Karunaratne as well given that he would be leading his country in its 300th Test. Karunaratne said he was happy that crowds would be present for the first Test. The BCCI has allowed spectators at 50 per cent of stadium capacity for the landmark game. "That's a great feeling...captaining in the country's 300th Test. I did not expect it. It is a great honour for me. I will try my best to give the best result for Sri Lanka," he said in the virtual media interaction. "I came to know it is Virat's 100th Test. A good