Three uncapped players are included in the 15-man Sri Lankan squad for the first Test against Pakistan.

Prasanna was ruled out due to a finger injury sustained in practice last week and uncapped Kaushal Silva was named in his place.

But it was uncertain whether Silva would debut in the first Test which starts on July 4 as captain Kumar Sangakkara and dashing top-order batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan are both accomplished wicketkeepers.

"A specialist wicketkeeper is important, but then again we have two other wicketkeepers in the squad, myself and Dilshan," Sangakkara said.

"It's the balance of the side is the important thing and the option of either an extra batsman at number seven or an all-rounder would add depth.

"This is a great chance for someone to make a mark both personally and for the team, and whoever gets the spot must take the chance."

Vaas overlooked

All-rounder Angelo Mathews, who shone for Sri Lanka in the World Twenty20 in England, and 22-year-old fast bowler Suranga Lakmal are the other two uncapped players in the side.

Lakmal makes his way in to the side at the expense of Dilhara Fernando, while veteran left-arm fast bowler Chaminda Vaas was overlooked yet again.

Fast bowler Lasith Malinga, another star performer in the World T20, was also dropped due to fitness concerns and Dhammika Prasad included in his place.

The team: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Malinda Warnapura, Tharanga Paranavitana, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapugedera, Muttiah Muralitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Thilan Thushara, Nuwan Kulasekera, Dhammika Prasad, Kaushal Silva, Suranga Lakmal.