Last Updated on 36 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal have been ruled out of Sri Lanka’s second Test against India in Colombo. Sri Lanka will likely be without three key batters as they bid to square the two-match series after dropping the first test, with Pathum Nissanka unlikely to recover in time.
Kusal Mendis and Chandimal Add to Sri Lanka’s Batting Woes
Kusal Mendis has not played any competitive cricket since injuring his hamstring in the Lanka Premier League. He was replaced by Niroshan Dickwella in Sri Lanka’s Test squad. Dickwella scored 80 in the first innings of the opening Test and appears to have cemented his place in the team.
Chandimal will miss the second Test under ICC concussion replacement rules. If a player is taken off with a concussion, the player cannot join the team for seven days.
Chandimal was forced to leave the field on the fourth day of the Galle Test with an injury to his shoulder and neck. His absence paved the way for Pasindu Sooriyabandara to make his Test debut. The young batsman may survive for the second Test despite being out for a duck in his first innings.
Nissanka is also working to recover from wrist surgery he had in June. He is thought to be nearer to full fitness, but pain still hampers him when he bats.
Sri Lanka head coach Gary Kirsten said, “Dinesh is also not available for the next Test. So we’re missing a few guys from that perspective, but it creates a good opportunity for young players to come in and stake their claim. There are players who have got really good first-class records in this country. It’s a good opportunity for them.”
Sri Lanka are yet to name their squad for the second Test, but they have a lot of replacements to consider. They are aiming to bounce back after losing the series opener by 165 runs.
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