Injury-Hit Sri Lanka Brings in Uncapped Duo for India ODI Series
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Sri Lanka's cricket team faces a challenging situation as key fast bowlers Dilshan Madushanka and Matheesha Pathirana have been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against India, starting on August 2. This setback follows the earlier injuries of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara before the T20I series.
Madushanka, suffering a Grade 2 hamstring injury during fielding practice, and Pathirana, with a mild shoulder sprain from an attempted catch during the third T20I on July 30 in Kandy, are the latest casualties. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed their unavailability in a recent media release.
In response, uncapped fast bowlers Mohamed Shiraz and Eshan Malinga have been drafted into the squad. Shiraz boasts an impressive List A record with 80 wickets in 47 games, maintaining a tight economy of 4.57. The 23-year-old Malinga, who debuted in July 2022, has taken 12 wickets in seven games with an economy rate of 5.80. Both players aim to capitalize on this opportunity and solidify their positions, especially as Sri Lanka has faced consistent injuries in their fast bowling lineup recently.
Additionally, Kusal Janith Perera, Pramod Madushan, and Jeffrey Vandersay have been added to the squad as standby players, ready to step in if further injuries occur.
🚨 Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka will not take part in the ODI series as the players have sustained injuries. 🚨
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) August 1, 2024
Dilshan Madushanka suffered a left hamstring injury (Grade 2), the player sustained during fielding at practices.
Pathirana has suffered a mild sprain on… pic.twitter.com/t5hqtTPdKC
