Fernando missed out on a spot in the playing XI for the first Test, which Sri Lanka won comfortably by 63 runs. The quick played in two of the three Tests during last month's tour to England. Peiris, on the other hand, earns his third call up to the national side. He has been included twice in Sri Lanka's squad in 2018 and earlier this year, but is yet to make his debut for the senior national team. The 27-year-old, however, could be handed his maiden Test cap with Ramesh Mendis struggling to find his form. In the opening Test, he grabbed a three-wicket haul in each inning, but struggled to control his line and length allowing New Zealand to evade pressure. Mendis conceded 101 runs in his 23.5-over spell at an economy of 4.24 in the first innings. His struggle continued in the second inning, where he leaked 83 runs in his 25-over spell at an economy of 3.32, the highest among Sri Lanka spinners. Peiris has claimed 172 first-class wickets in 41 matches at an average of 24.37. He also made an imposing presence by taking three scalps in the first unofficial Test between Sri Lanka A and South Africa A. Sri Lanka's 63-run victory over the Black Caps in the opening Test in Galle was their fourth in eight matches in the World Test Championship cycle. The hosts moved to the third spot with a point percentage of 50 per cent. Sri Lanka has the opportunity to clinch the best possible percentage of 69.23 per cent if they go on to win their remaining Test matches, starting with the second Test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium from Thursday (September 26).