The forthcoming three-match ODI series against India, which begins on August 2, will not include pace combo Matheesha Pathirana and Dilshan Madushanka. Interestingly, Madushanka has a hamstring problem while Pathirana is sidelined due to a shoulder injury. The absence of Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Thushara due to illness and a fractured thumb, respectively, will also be missed by the hosts.
It is a huge setback for Sri Lanka to lose four pacers before a big series against Ind. Uncapped right-arm seamer Mohamed Shiraz, 29, has been called up to the squad and is anticipated to make his debut as well.
Another pacer will be called up since they are still debating, according to team manager Mahinda Halangoda. But since the pacer is still recuperating from the sickness, Binura Fernando will not be that choice.
“They have decided not to risk it because Matheesha has jarred his shoulder and it is the same issue that he had during the World Cup last year,” Halangoda was said by
After losing badly in the Twenty20 International series, Sri Lanka will like to rebound strongly in the One-Day International format, although it would be very challenging given the absence of numerous important bowling unit members. While Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, the team’s seasoned bowlers, will be crucial, Asitha Fernando is predicted to spearhead the pace unit.
Senior cricketers Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and KL Rahul have joined the Indian team. Shreyas Iyer, who was turned down for a BCCI contract earlier in the year, has also been called up for the series along with young pacer Harshit Rana. The team consists of 15 players. With Rishabh Pant in the lineup, it remains to be seen if the cricketer from Mumbai would participate.
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The bowling unit, however, is well-organised. The speed group will be composed of Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Khaleel Ahmed, while the spinners will be Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav.
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