Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis and the Sri Lanka players England should fear in Test series

A look at the individuals Sri Lanka will hope can inspire them to success in the three-match series

Sri Lankan cricketer Dinesh Chandimal look on during a practice session at the R. Peremadasa Stadium in Colombo on October 26, 2018. Sri Lanka and England will next play a Twenty20 international match on October 27 before a three-Test series. / AFP / LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI
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The three-match Test series between Sri Lanka and England begins on Tuesday in Galle.

Sri Lanka have not lost a series on home soil to England since 2001. Here is a look at the five players they will look to for inspiration to maintain that run over the next month.

The second Test is In Kandy from November 14 and the third Test is in Colombo from November 23.

Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal plays a shot during the Twenty20 international cricket match between Sri Lanka and England in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Saturday, Oct. 27, 2018. (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal. AP Photo

Dinesh Chandimal

Is the calming influence in the team, not just as the Test captain but as an established batsman and with the respect he commands now as one of the senior members in the squad. He is looked up to as the man who can take Sri Lanka to the next level.

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Sri Lankan cricketer Angelo Mathews attends a practice session at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on November 4, 2018.  The first Test between England and Sri Lanka will be played on November 6, 2018, at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle.  / AFP / ISHARA S. KODIKARA
Sri Lanka's Angelo Mathews has a point to prove. AFP 

Angelo Mathews

Has something to prove when umpires call play. Stripped from the captaincy and dropped from the one-day international squad because of fitness issues, the veteran of 75 Tests, 203 ODI’s and 72 T20I’s now gets the opportunity and will be determined that he still warrants a place in the side as a Test player.

Sri Lankan cricketer Dimuth Karunaratne attends a practice session at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle on November 4, 2018.  The first Test between England and Sri Lanka will be played on November 6, 2018, at the Galle International Cricket Stadium in Galle.  / AFP / ISHARA S. KODIKARA
Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne. AFP

Dimuth Karunaratne 

He is established as a Test opener and appears to be in the form of his life, having  hit an unbeaten 158 and three half-centuries in the two-Test series with South Africa in the summer. The left hander will be a crucial factor at the top of the order as Sri Lanka look to get the runs to put England under pressure.

Sri Lanka's bowler Dilruwan Perera celebrates the dismissal of Pakistan's Sarfaraz Ahmed during their last day at Second Test cricket match against Pakistan in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili)
Dilruwan Perera will be a key threat with the ball for Sri Lanka. AP Photo 

Dilruwan Perera 

At 36, the off-spinner brings in the experience as a Test player. He took 16 wickets in the two Tests against South Africa, including 10 in Galle. A useful batsman, he is expected to take over as Sri Lanka’s main spin attack, at least for the England series, when Rangana Herath steps down after the first Test.

Cricket - Sri Lanka v India - Second Test Match - Colombo, Sri Lanka - August 5, 2017 - Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis watches his shot. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte
Sri Lanka's Kusal Mendis will look to find his best form with the bat against England. Reuters

Kusal Mendis 

One knock stands out in his budding Test career. The 23-year-old left hander smashed 176 against Australia in the second innings to win the first Test in only his seventh match in the format in July 2016 in Pallekelle. He plays as a batsman and is a wicketkeeper in the series, but he will hope for better form with the bat after struggling against South Africa.

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