By SABC Sport
29th August 2024
England drawing first blood in the three-match series at Old Trafford last week means Sri Lanka must break their Test duck at the home of cricket to set up a decider at the Oval next month.
However, Dhananjaya prizes their standing in the WTC, where Sri Lanka are currently fifth, one place below England, above all else.
"It is all about getting a Test win," Dhananjaya said. "It will mean a lot for the country. But more importantly, we need to get points in the World Test Championship.
"We are more confident heading into this game. We were confident at Old Trafford as well but we failed to deliver. We have to be clear with our plans and execute them well."
Pathum Nissanka is set for his first Test appearance in two years and could open the batting while fast bowler Lahiru Kumara has also been recalled, with Kusal Mendis and Vishwa Fernando dropping out.
Dinesh Chandimal is included but may not keep wicket as he is apparently still in discomfort from being rapped on the thumb by Mark Wood in Manchester, with Nishan Madushka on standby to take the gloves.
Sri Lanka will not have to contend with Wood's express pace this week as he misses out due to injury but Dhananjaya argued Chris Woakes was harder to face.
"I am not concerned about the speed," Dhananjaya added. "Speed is not troubling us. It is the line and length that's troubling us.
"Chris Woakes is able to bowl 20 to 30 balls at one area and that's what is troubling us."